MEDIA RELEASE
29th October 2026
NEW DEVELOPER RATINGS GIVE COMMUNITIES THE ANSWERS
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) has welcomed the launch of the Developer Rating Scheme (DRS) and the commencement of public ratings, describing it as a significant step forward in improving transparency, accountability and community confidence in Australia's renewable energy transition.
The DRS is an independent rating tool operated by Equifax Australasia Credit Ratings Pty Ltd. It assesses renewable energy developers and transmission companies against seven key criteria, including community engagement capability, governance, financial capacity and business conduct. Businesses that meet the required standards can be listed on the free public register and receive a community engagement star rating.
Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar said, "When a new project is proposed, communities want to know who they're dealing with. The DRS provides an independent assessment of a company's capability, conduct and approach to community engagement, helping communities make more informed decisions."
While the DRS aims to give landholders and communities greater transparency and confidence regarding companies proposing energy infrastructure developments in their area, it also provides businesses with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to good engagement practices and build trust from the earliest stages of project development.
"Good community engagement doesn't happen by accident," Mr Mahar said. "The DRS helps recognise developers that choose to invest in building positive relationships with communities."
“While participation in the DRS is currently voluntary, it is my expectation that it becomes a new industry benchmark”
Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tenders now require proponents to be committed to the DRS to be eligible for Commonwealth support, reinforcing the importance of strong community engagement practices across the sector.
The DRS has been developed through extensive consultation involving governments, industry, landholders, local government and community representatives and now provides a strong foundation for future growth.
"This has been a significant body of work, and importantly, this is just the beginning," Mr Mahar said. "As more businesses participate and more assessments are undertaken, the DRS will continue to evolve and strengthen over time."
This initial group of early adopting companies to put themselves forward for rating will soon be followed by more with over 20 other companies already in the process of being rated.
Seeing the initial ratings at the higher end of the scale for these industry-leading companies speaks to their confidence in their practices and shows that high ratings are not a given but require the right processes and procedures for engagement to be in place.
The AEIC will continue advocating for the DRS to be recognised within planning and approvals frameworks across Australia, with the long-term goal of making independent developer assessments a standard part of project development processes nationwide.
"Over time, I would like to see participation in the DRS become a standard requirement within planning and approval processes across Australia," Mr Mahar said. "Communities should have access to this information and developers should be encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to doing the right thing."
Charlie Prell
Chair of the Lived Experience Panel who were engaged to assist in the development
“The Developer rating Scheme is a valuable tool that will build community trust and confidence in renewable energy and transmission developers. It will bring much needed transparency to the table as developers sit down with prospective host communities. It will empower community members & landholders to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement in industry capability and standards.”
“The initiative is independent of industry and Government and will support local people, councils and groups by enabling improvements in community engagement with companies and developers – ultimately resulting in a smoother and more equitable transition.”
Brad Walters
General Manager, Commercial at Equifax
“Equifax is proud to leverage our experience and market leadership in the ratings space to support the Renewable Energy Developer Rating Scheme,” said Brad Walters, General Manager, Commercial at Equifax.
“We applaud the industry-leading companies that have already completed the assessment and are listed in the public register, and we are encouraged to have more than 20 additional companies currently under assessment or considering assessment. These first movers are clearly demonstrating their maturity and commitment to community engagement.”
“This scheme will not only ensure that this important work is being done by trustworthy and capable developers, but also support local communities and Australia’s energy transition.”
Jackie Trad
CEO - Clean Energy Council
“Regional Australia is hosting the projects that will power our homes and businesses for generations. Communities should have clear, independent information about the companies they’ll be working alongside, and the Clean Energy Council is pleased to back a scheme that will help boost community confidence.”
“Trust is earned project by project, conversation by conversation. The Developer Rating Scheme encourages transparency and rewards the developers who share information early and ensure landholders and neighbours are genuine partners in clean energy delivery.”
ENDS
More Information
- Developer Rating Scheme Launched - Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
- Developer Rating Scheme - The Australian Government
- The Developer Rating Scheme - Equifax