We do.
When NSW began developing the new CER Installer Portal to support the Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM), it represented one of the biggest changes to how solar and battery installers would connect, register and commission systems.
A new digital process affects every installer, from quoting a customer through to commissioning a system and supporting it over its lifetime.
Getting it wrong would mean more administration, more confusion and more time spent behind a computer instead of on the roof.
That’s why the Smart Energy Council took a seat at the table.
Representing Industry Before Problems Become Reality
For nearly a year, our Chief Strategy Officer, Nigel Morris, has represented Smart Energy Council members on the NSW CER Installer Portal Industry Reference Group.
Working alongside the NSW Government, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, AEMO and other stakeholders, we have provided practical industry feedback throughout the design and rollout of the portal.
Rather than waiting for problems to emerge after launch, we’ve been helping shape the system while it is being built.
Because the people designing these platforms aren’t the ones installing systems every day.
Our members are.
The Outcome: Better Systems, Better Support
Our involvement has helped ensure the installer experience is considered across the entire customer journey:
- From quoting and eligibility
- Through application and pre-installation
- Installation and commissioning
- Ongoing maintenance and support
But advocacy doesn’t stop in the meeting room.
We also worked with the NSW Government to ensure installers have the training they need to confidently use the new portal.
This includes support for:
- Account setup and management
- Installation allocation and claiming
- Device registration
- Commissioning processes
- Connectivity requirements
- Testing and compliance
- Ongoing system management
In addition, the Smart Energy Council delivers free CPD-accredited Emergency Backstop Mechanism training, helping installers understand both the new regulatory requirements and how to use the portal effectively.
Why This Matters
Every unnecessary click.
Every confusing workflow.
Every poorly designed process.
Every extra hour spent on administration.
These all cost installers time and money.
By representing members throughout the development of the NSW CER Installer Portal, we’re helping reduce friction before it reaches your business.
It’s advocacy with practical outcomes.
Member Value Delivered
- Representing installers in government working groups
- Influencing the design of new industry systems
- Working directly with networks and regulators
- Delivering CPD-accredited training
- Helping members stay compliant and installation-ready
“This Is What Membership Looks Like”
Much of our advocacy happens behind closed doors, in technical working groups, standards committees and government reference panels.
You won’t always see the meetings.
But you’ll experience the outcomes every time a better process saves you time on the job.
That’s the value of having the Smart Energy Council representing your business.
Your voice deserves a seat at the table.
When you join the Smart Energy Council, you’re not just accessing training and industry updates—you’re backing an organisation that works every week to influence policy, improve industry systems and make life easier for installers.