The Essential Services Commission alleges GB Environmental and contractors working on its behalf:
failed to obtain consumer consent before completing two car park lighting upgrades
provided false information to the commission about the consumer
failed to use appropriate lighting designers for 14 car park and other lighting upgrades.
The commission has restricted GB Environmental’s VEU accreditation, preventing the business from undertaking VEU non-building based lighting upgrades for three months.
GB Environmental voluntarily withdrew 1,178 certificates which are allegedly non-compliant, valued at over $100,000 (as 22 July 2025). Since the investigation, a qualified lighting designer has assessed the 14 car park and other lighting upgrade designs as compliant with the VEU program rules.
Addressing conduct that compromises market integrity is a compliance and enforcement priority of the commission. This includes a focus on businesses that provide false information to the commission about VEU upgrades.
Accredited businesses must ensure certificates they create for VEU upgrades and anyone doing work on their behalf comply with the rules.
Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“Undertaking upgrades without the knowledge or consent of the energy consumers is a serious breach of the VEU rules. It removes consumer choice, risks property damage, and undermines program integrity and trust.”
“Restricting GB Environmental’s VEU accreditation sends a strong message to all VEU accredited businesses that the commission takes action against anyone that breaks the rules.”
“Importantly, as a result of this action GB Environmental has committed to improving its practices to avoid future breaches.”
Please note: The certificate value on this page is based on the spot price of $97 as at 18 July 2025.
More about the VEU program
The VEU program helps Victorian homes and businesses cut their energy bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions by providing access to discounted energy efficient products and services.
Accredited persons undertake energy efficiency upgrades that entitle them to create certificates, which they can then sell. Large energy retailers are required to acquire and surrender those certificates to meet annual targets set in Victorian legislation.
The greenhouse gas savings associated with the installation of an energy efficient product and/or decommissioning of an inefficient product determines the number of certificates that can be created.
