Large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) and Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates both represent one megawatt hour of renewable electricity, but they belong to different schemes and do different jobs.
Key points
- Both represent one MWh
- LGCs meet RET liabilities, REGOs are voluntary
- REGOs are time-stamped and cover storage
- RET ends in 2030, REGO continues
- No LGC and REGO for the same electricity
Scheme and purpose
LGCs are created under the Renewable Energy Target (RET), and liable entities such as electricity retailers must surrender them each year. REGO certificates are created under the voluntary Guarantee of Origin scheme to verify the origin of renewable electricity, in Australia and internationally.
Information carried
A REGO certificate records the source of the electricity and when it was generated or dispatched, usually to the hour. Energy storage facilities can also take part in REGO, and certificates can be issued for dispatched electricity.
Timeframe
The RET ends on 31 December 2030, with final liability reporting continuing into 2031. The REGO continues after that, and accredited power stations can join it to keep creating certificates.
No double counting
A facility can be registered in both schemes and the two run side by side until the RET ends. For each unit of electricity, the facility can create either an LGC or a REGO certificate, but not both.
How they are used
Both can support voluntary claims about renewable electricity. REGO certificates are retired when the electricity is used and can lower electricity-related emissions under NGER, on Product Guarantee of Origin certificates, and in other market-based frameworks. LGCs can be voluntarily surrendered for Scope 2 claims, such as under Climate Active and GreenPower.
Where they are held
LGCs are held in the REC Registry. REGO certificates are held in the Unit and Certificate Registry and published on the GO Register.
Legislation
LGCs are created by accredited power stations under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. REGO certificates are created under the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin) Act 2024.
Both schemes are administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
References & sources
Primary regulatory documents and authoritative references underpinning this answer.