Nectr Backs NSW's Spring Solar and Battery Push as New Battery Incentives Launch

SYDNEY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2026 - As spring brings longer days, more sunshine and the first signs of rising cooling costs, Australian energy retailer and solar and battery specialist Nectr is urging NSW homes and businesses to get solar and battery-ready ahead of summer, with a wave of new incentives now available to help offset the cost.

Nectr says three brand-new battery incentive activities, available from today as part of the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), mark one of the most significant broadenings of the scheme since it began, opening up battery incentives to segments of the market that have historically had limited access to rebates, including strata-titled apartment buildings and businesses of every size.

As of 1 September 2026, the PDRS battery incentives will extend upfront battery discounts to apartment buildings, small and medium businesses, and large commercial and industrial sites for the first time. The expansion sits alongside updates to the existing residential battery activity (BESS1) and virtual power plant (VPP) activity (BESS2), which took effect from 1 July 2026.

"For years, apartment residents and business owners have watched rebates pass them by while facing some of the highest peak demand charges in the state," said Hayden Barry, Managing Director at Nectr.

"This expansion to the PDRS changes that. Whether it's a strata building looking to bring down costs for every resident, or a small business trying to protect its margins from rising demand charges, there is now a genuine, government-backed pathway to a right-sized battery and real support available to help businesses and communities navigate it."

What are the changes and who can benefit?

 BESS3 — Batteries for Apartments:

• BESS3 brings battery incentives to Class 2 apartment buildings with a minimum of four individual dwellings, for the first time giving strata communities a way to cut shared energy costs.
• Apartment buildings carry some of the highest peak demand charges in NSW and have historically been shut out of battery rebates. BESS3 cuts the upfront cost of a shared battery system by thousands of dollars, and can be combined with federal rebates for an even larger saving.
• Nectr can help building managers bundle PDRS with the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program where eligible.

  BESS4 — Batteries for Small & Medium Business

• BESS4 gives small and medium businesses access to upfront battery incentives for the first time, sized to genuinely reduce peak demand exposure.
• Rising peak demand charges are squeezing SME margins, and many business owners are not yet aware this incentive exists.
• BESS4 offers a substantial upfront discount on a right-sized 20-200 kWh battery.
• Nectr supports eligible businesses through CEC-approved battery selection, warranty compliance and solar system sizing.

 BESS5 — Large Commercial & Industrial

• BESS5 opens PDRS to large-scale batteries for the first time, covering systems from over 200 kWh up to 30 MWh, with the incentive capped at the first 10 MWh (10,000 kWh) of capacity.
• Large commercial and industrial energy users typically carry significant peak demand exposure, and most are unaware a new NSW incentive can return six or seven figures upfront. As an example, a 5 MWh battery system could attract an estimated PDRS incentive of $787,857 without solar, rising to an estimated $1,175,714 (a 49% increase) when paired with 2.5 MW of new solar*.
• Nectr's commercial team offers end-to-end technical scoping (including UL9540A compliance and licensed installation and DRA setup), commercial structuring and ROI modelling to help large energy users assess feasibility ahead of the scheme's launch.

Stacking with Other Rebates and Incentives

The new PDRS battery activities are designed to stack with a number of existing federal and state incentives, potentially increasing total upfront savings, including:

• The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, for the BESS3/BESS4 battery portion under 100 kWh
• Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar PV up to 100 kW installed alongside a battery
• Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) for larger solar installed with BESS4 (100 kW+) or BESS5
• The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS), PDRS's sister scheme, for businesses bundling wider efficiency works
• Standard small business tax depreciation, subject to individual accountant advice

Nectr recommends eligible customers seek independent advice to confirm which combinations apply to their specific site and circumstances.

"Whether you're a strata manager, a small business owner or you're running a large industrial site, there is more support available than most people realise to bring down power bills," said Hayden Barry, Managing Director at Nectr.

"We're here to help customers cut through the eligibility detail, understand what stacks with what, and get better business outcomes."

ENDS

*Example only — actual returns depend on the PRC market price and the 10 MWh incentive cap; BESS5 rule detail is subject to consultation.

For more information or to arrange an interview contact Blue Planet Public Relations:

Maria Crema - maria.crema@blueplanetpr.com.au or +61 402 239 929

Sophie Blue - sophie.blue@blueplanetpr.com.au or +61 416 006 821

More about Nectr

Since entering the Australian retail energy market in 2019, Nectr has grown to become an award-winning provider of electricity plans and solar-battery systems. Nectr delivers affordable, innovative energy solutions to over 40,000 homes and businesses. Backed by global renewable energy solutions leader and Fortune Global 500 Hanwha Group, and long-term power-purchase agreements with Australian wind and solar farms, Nectr helps Aussies reduce costs, take control of their usage and plan for the future. Nectr's commitment to smarter energy has earned the Australian retailer over 24 industry awards, including multiple Finder 2024 and Mozo 2026 wins. Find out more about Nectr at www.nectr.com.au