A good ESC trader makes the gap between completing a job and being paid a short one. A poor one adds delay and uncertainty. The right questions are the same ones you would ask an STC trader, with some extras that are specific to NSW.
What to compare
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which certificates do they buy? | ESCs, PRCs, or both |
| How is price quoted? | A stated rate for a stated volume and date |
| Settlement | When money lands after transfer |
| Fees | Disclosed, in writing |
| Method knowledge | Whether they have handled your activity |
| Registry support | Help with creation and transfer |
NSW specifics
- Activity methods. Hot water, lighting, refrigeration and other methods each have their own evidence rules. A trader who knows yours can flag a problem before you lodge.
- PRCs. If your work could create PRCs under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, ask whether the trader buys them.
- Accreditation. Check whether you need to be an accredited provider, or whether you are working through one.
The wider test
Ask the trader how many of your type of job they have processed, and how long they take to settle after transfer. Ask what happens if a claim is questioned. Our choosing a certificate trader checklist gives a general framework, and it applies to ESCs as much as to STCs.
From the desk: get terms in writing before you create the certificates, not after. A good price loses its shine if the settlement date is vague.
Before you sign
Read the agreement. Check for exclusivity clauses, minimum volumes, fee schedules and termination terms. A trader’s rate is only one part of what you are agreeing to, and a few lines of small print can matter more than a few cents on the price.
Match the buyer to the job
A trader that suits a lighting upgrade contractor may not suit a hot water installer. Ask for examples in your activity, and ask how they have handled a rejected claim. The best buyers are happy to describe a time something went wrong and how they fixed it.
What this means for installers
For NSW jobs that also create STCs, such as heat pump hot water, you may deal with two buyers. Energy Merchants buys STCs, VEECs and battery STCs, with a published rate on pricing, and focuses on those rather than ESCs. See how to sell ESCs for the process, and the resources hub.