A suspension order preventing online trading platform Greenbot from generating certificates through the federal government’s rooftop solar rebate has been reinstated.
The Clean Energy Regulator in June “permanently suspended” the registration of Greenbot, alleging that the platform had failed to meet its regulated requirements under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Greenbot disputed the decision and the Federal Court issued a temporary stay on the CER’s suspension order in the first week of July.
An update on the case from the regulator this week has revealed that the SRES suspension is back in place, after the the Federal Court removed the stay on the compliance action on October 18.
“This means that Greenbot cannot create renewable energy certificates under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme,” the CER said on Tuesday.
The Court has, however, continued the stay on the regulator’s decision to terminate the deed allowing Greenbot to be an app provider under the Solar Panel Validation (SPV) Initiative, the regulator says.
“This means that Greenbot will be allowed to participate in the SPV initiative while the Court is reviewing the matter.”
The CER says the decision follows an investigation into the conduct of Greenbot including the administration of its online trading portal and mobile phone app, which is used to generate certificates in our the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Registry.
“We suspended Greenbot because we are satisfied that Greenbot is not a fit and proper person,” the CER said this week.
“We understand and share concerns regarding the impact on small solar PV businesses when agents do the wrong thing. More information is available for impacted participants.”
For its part, Greenbot said in June that it disagreed with the regulator’s decisions and was confident of resolving the matter.
“With over 8 years of industry leadership and a proven track record of facilitating over 500,000 installations and the creation of over 55 million STCs, we’re committed to maintaining our high standards and supporting your needs.
“Our dedicated team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have,” Greenbot said.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.
