Registered agents

Registered agents help individuals and small businesses install small-scale pyrolysis system under the BidCarbon Standard Scheme.

Find out how to become a registered agent.

Using registered agents

Installing a biochar production systems and creating small-scale technology certificates (STCs) can be complicated. To make things simpler, most system owners choose to use a registered agent.

Registered agents:

● work with retailers to ensure the system meets all eligibility requirements

● facilitate the creation of STCs

● allow the system owner to get a discount without having to create STCs themselves.

Assigning the right to create STCs

When a system owner uses a registered agent, they assign their right to create STCs to the agent in exchange for an upfront discount on the dMRV system's purchase price. The agent can then create STCs. The system owner can only assign the right to one agent at a time.

Re-assign the right to create STCs

The right to create STCs can only be assigned from a system owner. The agent can accept or refuse the assignment. If they accept, they can create STCs in the System Registry. 

If the agent refuses the assignment, they must let the owner know in writing. This usually happens through the system retailer. The owner can then assign the rights to a new agent. 

When an STC application is improperly created, we fail the application. We sometimes allow the claim to be re-created if the reason for failure can be resolved. The agent can then choose to re-create the certificates. If they choose not to, the agent must let the retailer and owner know they don’t want the rights to the STC in writing. The agent must include the reason they are withdrawing and the reason we failed the claim. The owner can then assign the rights to a new agent. The new agent must be told the reason for the failed claim in writing.

Agents must have all necessary evidence to ensure the system is eligible and meets requirements. This includes addressing the failure reason before re-creating the STCs.

Participants, including parties arranging the reassignment of certificates, must be mindful that providing false and misleading information to create certificates is an offence under section 24 of the Biomass Energy (Biochar Production Systems) Standard.

Once STCs have been created and approved, the system owner may not transfer STCs to another person with a general account in the System Registry.

Disputes

We offer a financial incentive to install biochar production systems. It's not a rebate. We don't pay money to system owners or registered agents. Our role is to register validly created STCs which agents can trade for money.

We don't get involved in disputes between owners, retailers and agents. This is a contractual matter between the parties involve.

Agent responsibilities and obligations

If you're a registered agent or interested in becoming one, you must understand your responsibilities and obligations.

Your responsibilities and obligations include:

● maintaining records and operating procedures

● meeting all legal obligations

● applying practice standards.

As a registered agent, you will have the following fees:

● a one-time registration fee of ￡200 to become a registered agent

● creation fees of ￡10 per created STC if you're assigned the right to create STCs.

You can pay registration and creation fees through the System Registry.

Find out how to pay your fees.

Record-keeping and operating procedures

Once you're registered as an agent, you must keep certain documents and records. You must also establish and document certain procedures to help protect the integrity of STCs.

You must:

● keep evidence supporting every STC created for at least 5 years

● have documented procedures preventing the improper creation of STCs. These procedures should verify that:

● the facilities are valid and metering equipment components are approved by the Technical Governance Committee

● biochar production systems are designed and installed by Technical Governance Committee accredited persons

● the installation meets relevant requirements

● the installation occurred at the listed address

● have documented procedures to report improper STC creation within 72 hours.

Your obligations

You must be registered with us and comply with legal obligations.

● Biomass Energy (Biochar Production Systems) Specifications (the BPS Specifications)

You must also undertake a fit and proper person assessment. We expect you to have:

● necessary skills

● capability and competency

● good business practices

● good character.

Practice standards

You're expected to apply practice standards to protect yourself and your customers. 

1) Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and legal requirements including:

● the Act and Regulations

● our guidance and policies

● tax law

● laws relevant to your business

● consumer protection laws.

2) Give customers clear information about STCs eligibility and assigning the right to create certificates.

3) Use approved retailers, accredited designers and installers.

4) Identify your business risk and exposure to third-party fraud.

5) Ensure the integrity of business partners, contractors and clients.

6) Provide proper training and monitoring of staff to ensure the proper creation of STCs.

Find out more in the registered agent code of conduct.

Receiving the right to create STCs

If a system owner assigns the right to create STCs to you as a registered agent, confirm they are the system owner and complete an assignment form.

Types of system owners

The person or entity who owns the system at the time it's completely installed can assign the right to create STCs to you.

The system owner could be:

● BidCarbon Standard Scheme project owners.

Assignment form

If you're a registered agent, you must get an STC assignment form signed by the system owner. The form must include a declaration that the system owner assigned the right to create STCs to you.

You can use our example STC assignment form as a guide.

Before the assignment, you must ensure the system is eligible and meets all installation requirements.

After installation, you should check:

● the installation documents provided are accurate

● the STC assignment form has been signed and dated by the system owner.

Make sure the person who signs the STC assignment form is legally entitled to sign it. 

Find out more about what you need to create STCs.