Australia has had one dominant way to prove renewable electricity: LGCs, created under the Renewable Energy Target. The Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme adds a second certificate, the REGO, which is designed for tracking and claiming renewable electricity in a way that stays after the RET ends in 2030.
What REGO is
A REGO represents one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity generated by a registered facility. It sits within the Guarantee of Origin scheme administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, which also covers product certificates for items such as hydrogen. The idea is a trusted, traceable certificate that businesses can use for reporting and for marketing a renewable claim.
REGO versus LGC
| LGC | REGO | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meets retailer obligations under the RET | Voluntary proof of renewable origin |
| Demand | Compulsory until 2030 | Voluntary, plus emerging use |
| Created by | Accredited power stations | Registered facilities under the GO scheme |
| Fate | Surrendered or retired | Retired for a claim |
LGC prices are low in 2026 (roughly $6 to $9 in September) because supply exceeds the obligation. Whether REGOs carry a premium is a market question, so do not assume a number. See what happens to LGCs after 2030.
Where STCs fit
STCs are separate again. They are deemed, up-front certificates for small systems, created under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which ends on 31 December 2030. Rooftop owners do not create REGOs by default. A system that earns STCs is not normally the source of REGOs for the same generation. Mid-scale solar of 100 kW to 1 MW installed from 1 October 2026 creates STCs with a five-year deeming period: see mid-scale solar STCs.
Why it matters to businesses
Companies reporting emissions under a market-based method need a credible way to show they bought renewable power. A PPA that includes retired certificates is one route: see PPA and LGC retirement. REGOs are meant to make that cleaner, especially after 2030.
What this means for installers
For small systems, nothing changes now: you create STCs and settle them. For commercial customers asking about green claims, explain the difference between STCs, LGCs and REGOs, and note the 2030 end date. A short primer is in our certificate glossary and the REGO definition. To see the STC side of the work, see how it works and pricing.