The Developer Rating Scheme public register is now live, giving landholders and regional communities a clearer picture of who they are dealing with when an energy project is proposed on or near their land. The register launched on 29 October 2026. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), it lists renewable energy developers and transmission companies that met the scheme’s listing thresholds and chose to be named. It covers renewable generation, energy storage and major transmission projects.
The first firms named under the Developer Rating Scheme
Five companies made the first cut. Iberdrola Australia, RWE Renewables and Tilt Renewables each received five stars, and Stromlo Energy Australia and Mint Renewables each received 4.5 stars. These star scores relate to community engagement. More than 20 other companies are already being assessed, so the list should grow over the coming months.
How the Developer Rating Scheme assessment works
The scheme opened to industry in March 2026. Taking part is voluntary, and each company pays its own assessment fees. Businesses apply directly to Equifax Australasia Credit Ratings, the independent scheme operator, to begin their evaluation.
“Voluntary” doesn’t mean the scheme lacks influence, though. Developers bidding into Capacity Investment Scheme tenders must now commit to the Developer Rating Scheme to be eligible for Commonwealth support.
Developer Rating Scheme criteria and listing requirements
Every applicant is assessed against seven criteria:
- Community
- Conduct
- Character
- Capability
- Capacity
- Capital
- Counterparty
To be listed, a business must achieve at least a minimum pass on all seven criteria and score no lower than 3 out of 5 stars on community engagement.
Why the register matters
The scheme grew out of the 2023 Community Engagement Review led by Andrew Dyer, the former Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. It aims to rebuild trust between developers and the communities hosting new energy infrastructure. One thing worth bearing in mind is that a company’s absence from the register doesn’t necessarily mean it failed. It may simply not have applied yet.
Also read: Higher Everyday Living Fee: providers barred from charging for previously free services
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/developer-rating-scheme. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
