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Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

Previously known as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is administered & regulated under the VEET Act 2007 by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).

The Australian Government is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by almost 65% by 2030. The nation’s 2030 target is a commendable, credible and responsible contribution toward lowering greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions & resulting climate change with consistent growth in economy and job opportunities.

To help achieve the target, the Victorian government is promoting energy-saving upgrades by providing financial incentives/discounts under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) to make the switch more affordable, efficient and economically attractive. The free/discounted energy-saving lighting product upgrade under the VEU program can help Victorian households/businesses save money on upgrade costs, save up to 80% on lighting costs and help the environment.

Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) can be created by an Accredited Person (AP) and sold to Energy Retailers when a legitimate activity takes place. The Energy Retailers are bound to purchase a certain number of Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) every year under the victorian energy incentive scheme, and this, in turn, helps the households and businesses in cutting their electricity bills.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

The number of certificates generated depends on the amount of greenhouse gas abatement associated with the approved product or service. Incentive or discount received by households and businesses for LED lighting upgrades varies as per the market activity and certificate price.

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What is the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program?

Scheme name: Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, formerly the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme. The scheme was renamed on August 01, 2017.

Policy framework responsibility: Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)

Ministerial responsibility: VIC Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change

Scheme administrator: Essential Services Commission (ESC)

Scheme regulator: Essential Services Commission (ESC)

Type: Certificate-based

Certificates: Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs)

Start date: January 01, 2009 / End date: January 01, 2030

VEU Program at a Glance

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) is an energy-saving initiative by the Victorian Government to help businesses (small and big) and households cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is made possible by providing access to discounted energy-saving lighting products and services like Halogen/CFL light globe replacement.

The VEU scheme is administered under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act 2007. The purpose of this Act is to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by establishing the VEET scheme (was commenced on January 1, 2009), which:

  1. Provides for the creation and acquisition of energy efficiency certificates
  2. Requires the surrender of energy efficiency certificates

The VEU scheme is designed to make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable, contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases, and encourage investment, employment, and innovation in industries that supply energy efficiency products and services.

 

VEU Program Targets:

The 2007 Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act mandates that annual emissions reduction goals be set in the 2018 VEET Regulations for the periods 2021 to 2025 by May 2020.

YearsTarget
2009 to 20112.7 million tonnes per year, set in VEET Act
2012 to 20145.4 million tonnes per year, set in VEET Regulations
20155.4 million tonnes per year, set by Minister
2016 to 20205.4 to 6.5 million tonnes per year, set in VEET Act
2021 to 2025To be set in VEET Regulations
2026 to 2030To be set in VEET Regulations

Less Heat, Better Light, More Savings

Figures show replacing incandescent bulbs, CFLs and halogen downlights with energy-efficient LED lights can save small to medium size businesses over 75% on energy costs. For bigger commercial setups, the savings can be in thousands.

Because LED lights:

  • Require less maintenance
  • Generate a tiny amount of heat, reducing air conditioning costs during summers
  • Improve light quality

Products must be professionally installed by the installer/service provider.

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Why-LEDs-are-better-than-Incandescent-halogen-and-CFL-Bulbs

We offer free/discounted LED light replacement services under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to help Victorian households and businesses reduce their energy bills by over 75%.

How Does Victorian Energy Upgrades Work?

Victorian Energy Upgrades is an energy efficiency incentive program powered by the Victorian government that provides Victorian households and businesses the opportunity to upgrade from conventional to energy-saving lighting products for no or minimum cost.

Every energy-efficient appliance or lighting upgrade allows Accredited Providers to generate Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). APs then sell these certificates to energy retailers.

Each certificate represents a tonne of greenhouse gas abated.

The Victorian government sets annual greenhouse gas reduction targets that require energy retailers to buy a certain number of certificates.

VEECs can be created in two ways:

  • By activities as prescribed in the current VEU Regulations. They use a simplified approach whereby the GHG reduction (and the number of VEECs) for each activity is measured by the standard method included in the Regulations.
  • Through project-based activities (PBAs), which are possible under the 2017 separate Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (Project-Based Activities regulations). PBAs are customized discrete activities that improve energy efficiency at premises for which VEECs can be created by calculating GHG abatements through actual energy savings.

In 2019, VEU aims to help reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by 6.3 million tonnes through energy efficiency.

Victorian Energy-Efficient Appliances Rebate

Rebates are provided by the Accredited Providers (APs) registered with the Victorian state government under the VEU program.  Victorians are the 2nd largest energy consumers in Australia.  Air conditioners, freezers, water heaters, and lights are the most energy-hungry appliances. Choosing the most energy-efficient appliance can save you a lot of money and energy over many years.

Energy rating labels provide consumers with information regarding a product’s energy efficiency. The more stars the appliance has on its Energy Rating label, the more energy-efficient it is. Efficient appliances use less electricity to achieve the same level of performance in similar models of the same capacity or size.

Can I Apply?

Everyone who lives in Victoria using old lights can apply to get them replaced with approved energy-saving products and services through an Accredited Provider and their representative.

Who are Eligible Households & Businesses Under VEU/VEET Scheme

If you live in Victoria and use (old) incandescent, CFL and/or halogen bulbs, downlights, highbays at your home/business, you are definitely eligible for the upgrade. However, we require a minimum number of lights to be upgraded to qualify.

Switching to LEDs will help you reduce your energy consumption. This means you can expect to see long-term cost savings on your bills. For example, if you replace 20 halogen downlights with LED highbay or downlight, you can save over $200 a year on energy bills.

Other benefits include reduced maintenance cost because LEDs last over a decade.

How to Plan Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrade?

First, we do a free assessment of the business premises and prepare a detailed proposal. This is followed by a visit by an A-grade electrician who installs the new lights. We decommission old lights or any other equipment removed or replaced during the upgrade process. This is to ensure that old, inefficient lights are not used anywhere else.

Whether you are upgrading from old to new or starting afresh, take some time to plan lighting that is energy efficient and works for you. When planning your lighting, do consider:

  • The look, function, and purpose of the space
  • How you want to illuminate objects and features
  • Suitability of the energy-efficient lighting products you choose
  • How to maximize the use of natural light
How to Plan Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrade

LEDs are far more energy-efficient than halogen and CFL lights. Halogen lights are available in 12V and higher voltages, but low voltage doesn’t necessarily mean low energy use.

CFLs to LEDs Lighting Upgrade in Victoria under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

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The table below shows the light output of 12V halogen downlights against 12V LED lights.

 

Light Output (Lumens)12V Halogen12V LED
23020W4–5W
50035W6–8W
75050W10–12W
CFL and Halogen bulbs to LED Lights under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

LEDs are the Most Efficient Form of Lighting

LEDs use much less energy to provide the same or higher amount of light than conventional lighting products. One of the main reasons LEDs are so efficient is that most of their energy is used to create light, rather than creating light and heat.

Cost of running light is related to the wattage of the light bulb

The higher the wattage, the higher the running cost. Reduce your power bills by replacing halogen lights with LEDs throughout your home, office or warehouse.

Turn lights off when not in use

The longer your lights are left on, the higher the running cost. Switch lights off when not in use to keep your lighting energy costs down.

energy-efficient-lighting---Use-natural-light-wherever-possible

Use natural light wherever possible

The size and location of windows affect the amount of sunlight entering your premises significantly. Windows facing East and West tend to draw maximum sunlight in, while south-facing windows receive virtually no direct sunlight. Additionally, keep curtains open during the daytime so that the maximum amount of natural light comes in. This reduces lighting costs to zero during the daytime.

Ready for Free/Discounted LED Upgrade?

Service Areas:

Victoria

Get a Quote:

(03)8577 9655

Make an Enquiry:

info@ecofinsolution.com.au

FAQs About Victorian Energy Upgrades Program

Q: What is the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) ?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program, formerly known as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme, is an energy efficiency initiative by the Victorian government. The VEU was established under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act 2007, and is administered by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), in accordance with the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations 2008.

The primary focus of the VEU program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making energy efficiency improvements in Victorian households and businesses through subsidised energy efficiency goods and services. The program emphasizes on reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency at home, businesses, and industries. Energy efficiency helps reduce energy consumption significantly, which saves a lot on energy bills.

In other words, lower energy consumption is equal to the lesser burden on power plants for energy generation, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: How does the VEU scheme work?

The scheme has certain registered businesses known as Accredited Persons (APs) who can make energy efficiency improvements under the program. Once the energy upgrades are done at your premises in the form of LED lighting upgrades, the accredited person creates electronic certificates. These certificates are called Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs).

APs then to sell these VEECs to the energy retailers who are liable to surrender a specified number of energy efficiency certificates every year to the government. Revenue generated through the sale of VEECs enables APs to provide consumers special offers, reducing the cost of undertaking energy upgrades.

Q: What are VEECs?

Also known as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate, VEEC is a certificate an AP (Accredited Person) can create after the successful completion of an upgrade under the VEU scheme. Each certificate represents one tonne of greenhouse gas abated.

Q: How are VEECs created?

The VEEC creation takes place only after the successful completion of energy upgrades at your premises. The energy upgrade involves the replacement of old/inefficient lights like incandescent, CFL, and halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LED products approved under the VEU program. Once the installation is complete, the installer/electrician provides documents related to the lighting upgrades to the AP for compliance by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). The AP creates VEECs for energy upgrades after the successful audit of the job. APs are liable to sell these certificates to an energy retailer.

Q: Can an installer/electrician create VEECs?

No.

Q: How does the upgrade process work?

The upgrade process starts with fixing a no-obligation appointment with property owners (household and commercial) to perform a free assessment of the site. The assessment is followed by a detailed proposal (in case of commercial upgrades) and a visit from one of the installers/electricians who replaces old lights with new/energy-efficient approved LED products.

Once the installation is complete, the APs create VEECs for the upgrades, and sell these electronic certificates to the energy retailers.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program in Victoria

Q: Is the VEU scheme still available?

Yes! The scheme is legislated to continue until 1 January 2030.

Q: Who regulates the VEU program?
  • Scheme regulator: Essential Services Commission (ESC)
  • Scheme administrator: Essential Services Commission (ESC)
  • Policy framework responsibility: Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
  • Ministerial responsibility: VIC Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
Q: What’s wrong with the existing halogen bulbs & fluorescent tubes?
You’re wasting money if you haven’t switched to the LED lights. Not only the energy cost of halogens and CFLs is higher, but you’re also spending more time and money on maintenance and replacement costs. Incandescent lights incur environmental costs too.
Q: How do I know which light product is a right fit for my existing lights?
A lighting expert is your best bet for answering this question, as they can help guide you toward quality lighting solutions that reduce energy usage. Our lighting experts can conduct a thorough on-site assessment of old lights you are using. We assess the site to check the type and number of old lights and recommend LED replacement products to reduce your energy consumption.

Q: Is it free of charge?
Yes. The VEU Scheme is a Victorian state government scheme that aims to encourage people to switch from old lights to energy-efficient LED lights.
The LED lights at your home or business will reduce your energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, creating Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). The VEECs we generate by doing LED lighting upgrades at your place are then sold by us to the energy providers who are liable to buy a specific number of VEECs every year, thus allowing us to offer the aforementioned products at heavily discounted prices or for FREE.

Q: Do I need to sign any paper?
Yes. We provide you with a service that is discounted or free of charge. In exchange, you are assigning to us your VEECs. When you sign the form, you are confirming that the details on the form are true and correct, the products have been installed and you have given us the VEECs.
Q: Why do you need to take away my old lamps?
It is mandatory for us to remove, dispose of safely all the replaced/old lamps and have them recycled under the VEU (formerly known as VEET) Scheme. We collect all incandescent, halogen, and CFL bulbs and dispose of them at the government-certified recycler.
Q: Is the installation conducted by a certified electrician?
Yes. All the replacement work is done by an A-grade licensed electrician. All installers under the scheme are licensed electricians and you can always ask for the installer’s license prior to the installation.
Q: Is the VEU rebate program available to residential properties only?
Residential, commercial and industrial properties are eligible for free or rebated LED lighting upgrades under the VEU program. If you are a house or business owner who is using old, inefficient lights are eligible for LED lighting upgrades in Victoria.
Q: Does swapping incandescent/halogen/fluorescent lights with LEDs help the environment?
Yes. When you switch from Incandescent/halogen/CFLs to LED lights, it doesn’t just save you energy and electricity bills, but also reduce the amount of energy required to light your home or business, thus reducing the carbon footprints and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions.
Q: Does the VEU scheme apply to Residential, Industrial and Commercial spaces/properties?
Yes. Our Initial Assessment will identify your level of suitability to gain energy certificates (VEECs). The value of a certificate is determined by the current market price and hence fluctuates accordingly.
Q: How much rebate is offered under the Victorian government VEU scheme?
The rebate amount depends on the following factors:

  1. The difference in current energy consumption and energy consumption after the LED lighting upgrade.
  2. The type of lighting being installed
  3. The market price of the energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) at the time and specific calculation method used under the relevant state (Victoria/NSW/South Australia).
Q: Can Ecofin Solutions ForU do the lighting upgrade?
Yes! we can manage your whole lighting upgrades process that includes,

  1. Assessment of current energy consumption and deciding on quality lighting products that are suitable to your workplace/home
  2. Installation of new lights by licensed A-grade electrician
  3. Disposing and recycling of old lights
  4. Your government rebate
Q: Will I get the same light output with LEDs as I was getting before?
The light output will improve substantially. We ensure that after upgrading your lighting to LEDs, your premises has a strong, uniform light output at much lower power usage.
Q: Are the new lights under warranty?
The manufacturer’s warranty applies. LED manufacturers generally offer between 2-7 years warranty on commercial lights. We only partner with reputable companies that offer high-quality products and are approved under the VEU program.
Q: What happens to the old lights?
Once our electricians remove all old lights from your workplace, they will send them off for recycling at a government-approved recycling facility.
Q: How do I know what products are VEU approved?
A list of the approved units can be found on the ESC VEU Product Register.
https://www.veu-registry.vic.gov.au/Public/ProductRegistrySearch.aspx

Q: What is decommissioning?
Decommissioning ensures that the old lights cannot be used again. The decommissioning process is mandated under the VEU scheme. To meet the requirements of energy efficiency schemes like VEU, evidence of decommissioning (such as photos of the old unit or recycling certificate) must be provided.

Q: Why should I choose Ecofin Solutions For U?
  • All upgrades are done by A-grade electricians
  • LED products we install are approved under the VEU rebate program
  • LED lighting solutions (residential and commercial) we provide are compliant with ESC’s guidelines and government scheme
  • We advocate energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and energy savings schemes’ growth
  • We help Australian households and businesses reduce energy bills and promote greenhouse gas emission reductions in a cost-effective way
  • We provide information about the cost and effectiveness of the schemes and energy efficiency in general
  • We advocate new and emerging energy efficiency technologies to provide maximum benefits to consumers

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