Victorian Energy Upgrades Program: Everything You Need to Know
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program (VEU) is a government plan that helps people in Victoria use less energy and save money on their bills. It gives discounts and rebates on many energy-efficient products, making upgrades much more affordable.
These upgrades can help your home or business run more smoothly while using less power each day. Many people notice lower bills soon after making the changes.
This guide will walk you through how the program works, who can join, and what types of upgrades you can get, so you know exactly how to benefit.
What Is the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades VEU program is a state government scheme built to make energy-efficient products more affordable. It operates as a market-based scheme administered by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
Here is how the mechanism works:
Installation: An accredited provider (an approved business) installs an eligible, efficient product like the solar power station in your home or business.
Certificate Creation: This upgrade allows the provider to create Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). Each certificate represents one tonne of greenhouse gas saved.
Sale to Retailers: The provider sells these certificates to large energy retailers, who are legally required by the government to purchase and surrender a set number of VEECs each year to meet emissions targets.
Funding the Discount: The revenue from selling these certificates is what funds the upfront discount or rebate that is passed on to you.
The program is a key part of Victoria's plan to save 37 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions between 2022 and 2027.
Benefits of Victorian Energy Upgrades Program
The program offers savings you can feel right away, and it also helps lower energy costs over time. It’s good for your wallet and better for the environment. Here are some common benefits:
Lower Energy Bills: By installing more efficient products, you use less electricity or gas. A typical household can save between $120 and $1,100 per year. Small businesses can save up to $500 annually, and larger businesses up to $74,000.
Upfront Discounts: The program provides immediate rebates, making expensive upgrades much cheaper from day one.
Increased Home Comfort: Upgrades like insulation and modern air conditioners make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Guaranteed Quality: Products installed under the VEU program must be VEU-approved and come with a minimum 5-year warranty.
Help the Environment: When you take part in the program, you help Victoria cut down on carbon emissions. This supports the state’s climate goals. Since 2009, more than 180,000 businesses have already joined and made a positive impact.
Products and Upgrades Covered by the VEU Program
The VEU program covers a wide and growing list of energy-saving products. You can find the complete list of approved items on the official VEU Register of Products. Common upgrades include:
Lighting: Upgrading old halogen or incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs.
Heating & Cooling: Decommissioning old gas heaters and installing high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Water Heating: Replacing old hot water systems with solar or heat pump models.
Insulation: Upgrading ceiling or underfloor insulation.
Appliance Upgrades: Rebates on high-efficiency fridges, freezers, and TVs.
Solar Battery Systems: Many households also upgrade to approved solar batteries. These help store solar power and can act as a generator for home backup power during outages. This makes your home more energy-independent and reduces your reliance on the grid.
Estimated Savings for Households and Businesses
The VEU program offers real savings for both homes and businesses. Many households see lower bills straight away after upgrading. For example, switching to an energy-efficient hot water system can save up to $330 a year.
Replacing old gas heaters with a reverse-cycle air conditioner can save up to $370 a year, and upgrading a ducted gas heater can save as much as $1,010 a year. It’s no surprise that more than 2.4 million Victorian households have already benefited since 2009.
Businesses can save even more. Small businesses can cut costs by up to $500 each year, while larger businesses can save as much as $74,000 a year through energy-efficient upgrades. Electric systems are also cheaper to run than gas, making this a great time to switch.
The money saved through the VEU program can also help you plan for future energy upgrades. Many households use these ongoing savings to invest in stronger energy security, such as building home battery backup system for reliable power during outages.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery is one option that fits this goal well. It provides 6900W of AC output and a scalable capacity from 6kWh to 30kWh, giving your home steady power when the grid goes down. It can run key appliances like fridges, lights, air conditioners, and even EV chargers, helping your home stay powered and comfortable during any outage.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
Ways to Apply for the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program
Here are two simple ways to apply for the Victorian Energy Upgrades program:
Option 1: Use an Accredited Provider
This is the easiest path for most people. You choose an accredited provider that offers the upgrade you want. They give you a quote that already includes the VEU discount, carry out the installation, and take care of all the paperwork. You don’t need to submit anything yourself.
Option 2: Use Your Own Installer
If you already have a trusted plumber or electrician, you can still use them as long as they are properly licensed. They will need to work with an accredited provider.
The accredited provider submits the paperwork so you still receive the VEU discount, while your chosen tradesperson completes the installation.
Conclusion
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program gives Victorians a simple way to make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient. It lowers the upfront cost of upgrades, helps cut energy bills, and makes homes more comfortable while reducing carbon emissions.
To get the rebate, it’s important to work with an accredited provider. They make sure the installation meets the right standards and that your upgrade is fully approved.
With the right installer and the right products, the VEU program can deliver long-term savings and a cleaner, more efficient home.
Disclaimer: Before reading this guidance, please note that rebate programs can vary based on individual circumstances, location, and eligibility criteria. EcoFlow does not provide any assurances or guarantees concerning potential rebates associated with our products. Any information in this guidance is solely for educational purposes and shall not be construed as legal or financial advice. We recommend you consult the official program guidelines or seek professional advice for accurate and personalized information.
FAQs
Who is eligible for VEU rebates?
The VEU program is open to both Victorian households and businesses, and most people can take part. There is one key rule to remember:
You must use Victorian Energy Upgrades program accredited providers to supply and install the product, whether it’s an energy-efficient upgrade or something like a home backup generator.
You cannot buy the item yourself and try to claim the rebate later. The accredited provider completes the paperwork and applies the discount upfront, making the process simple and ensuring the installation meets safety standards.
Are Victorian energy upgrades means tested?
The VEU program is not means-tested, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so widely used. Any household or business in Victoria can take part, no matter your income or the value of your property.
The focus is on reducing statewide energy use, so eligibility is based on your location and the type of upgrade you are doing. The product must replace an older, less efficient one, and it must be on the approved list.
The only strict rule is that a VEU-accredited provider must handle the supply and installation. This ensures the upgrade meets the program’s standards and that you receive the rebate correctly.
Can VEU rebates be combined with other state or federal incentives?
Yes, you can combine VEU rebates with some other incentives, but you need to check the rules carefully. In many cases, the VEU rebate can work alongside federal programs. A common example is pairing a VEU hot water rebate with Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which help lower the cost even further.
What you usually cannot do is claim two Victorian state rebates for the same upgrade. For example, you generally cannot receive both a VEU rebate and a Solar Homes Program rebate for the same hot water system. This is to prevent claiming two state benefits on one product.
Your accredited provider can confirm what combinations are allowed. They handle all the paperwork and will let you know which rebates you can claim together.
What types of upgrades qualify for rebates?
A wide range of upgrades qualify for VEU rebates, with the focus on replacing old, inefficient products. Here are the most common options for households:
Lighting: Replace halogen or incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
Heating and Cooling: Remove old gas heaters and install high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Water Heating: Upgrade old electric or gas systems to solar hot water or heat pump systems.
Building Shell: Add ceiling or underfloor insulation and install weather sealing around doors and windows.
Appliances: Replace old fridges, freezers, and TVs with high-efficiency models.
Businesses can also upgrade commercial lighting, refrigeration, and industrial equipment under the VEU program.