A Call to Action for NGER Reporters

July 15, 2025

Deadline is October 31

For many Australian businesses, the period leading up to October 31st is more than just the advent of spring – it’s the critical countdown to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme deadline. As a responsible reporter, you’ll know that accurate and timely submission of your NGER report for the 2024-25 financial year is not just a regulatory requirement, but a crucial step towards Australia’s climate goals and your organisation’s environmental stewardship.

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has made it clear: all NGER reports must be submitted by midnight on October 31, 2025 (AEST). There are no provisions for extensions under the NGER legislation, and penalties, including infringement notices, apply for non-compliance. This isn’t a drill – it’s a firm deadline that demands immediate attention.

Why the Urgency? Beyond Compliance

While meeting your legal obligations is paramount, there’s more to NGER reporting than simply ticking a box. This data forms the backbone of Australia’s national greenhouse accounts, informs government policy, and contributes to our international reporting commitments. For your organisation, accurate NGER reporting also:

Enhances Transparency: Demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility to stakeholders, investors, and the public.
Informs Strategic Decisions: Provides valuable insights into your energy consumption and emissions profile, enabling informed decisions for efficiency improvements and abatement opportunities.
Supports the Safeguard Mechanism: For facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism, accurate NGER reporting is directly linked to compliance with emissions baselines and potential liabilities.
Mitigates Risk: Proactive and precise reporting helps avoid compliance issues, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Key Deadlines to Keep in Mind (If Applicable):

While the main NGER report deadline is October 31, other crucial dates may apply to your organisation:

August 31, 2025: NGER registration due (for new reporters or those who have just triggered thresholds).
August 31, 2025: Operational control nominations due.
October 31, 2025: Emissions-intensity determination (EID) applications due.
October 31, 2025: Excess emissions applications due (for those who have exceeded their 2024-25 baseline).
October 31, 2025: Voluntary revocation of a TEBA determination.
October 31, 2025: Explanation of multi-year monitoring period (MYMP) performance due.

Are You Ready for EERS?

The CER continues to streamline the reporting process through the Emissions and Energy Reporting System (EERS). Ensure your team has the necessary access and familiarity with the system to avoid last-minute hurdles. The CER offers a wealth of resources, including updated reporting guidance, calculators, and training videos, to support reporters. Don’t hesitate to leverage these tools.

Don’t Leave it to the Last Minute!

The complexities of NGER reporting, particularly with recent legislative amendments and a renewed focus on data accuracy (especially for methane emissions), mean that thorough preparation is essential. We strongly advise:

Reviewing Your Data: Conduct a comprehensive review of your emissions and energy data for the 2024-25 financial year. Cross-reference data with energy bills, fuel records, and operational reports.
Understanding Updated Methodologies: Stay abreast of any amendments to the NGER (Measurement) Determination that may impact your reporting, especially those related to specific industries or emission types.
Ensuring Data Quality: Implement robust internal quality control processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of your data. The CER is increasingly focused on data integrity and compliance.
Engaging Internal Stakeholders: Collaborate across departments – operations, finance, sustainability – to ensure all relevant information is captured and verified.
Seeking Expert Assistance: If you anticipate challenges or require assurance, consider engaging an experienced NGER consultant. They can provide invaluable support in data preparation, method selection, and compliance review, helping to minimise risk and ensure a smooth submission. If you need help navigating your NGER reporting obligations, don’t hesitate to contact Emission Statement for expert guidance and support.

The upcoming NGER deadline is a significant marker for Australian businesses. By acting now, ensuring the accuracy of your data, and leveraging available resources, you can confidently meet your reporting obligations and contribute to a more sustainable future.