Updates to the VEU program

Summary of key changes to the VEU program and what it means for industry participants. 

We have released updates to project-based activities (PBA) guidance documents to reflect changes to the Measurement and Verification (M&V) Specifications and Benchmark Rating Specifications commencing on 20 June 2025. 

Summary of key changes to the VEU program and what it means for industry participants. 

We have released updated activity guides to clarify the eligibility of certain upgrades for the space heating and cooling activity (activity 6)

We have updated the VEU Register of Products to reflect product warranty requirements for water heating and space heating and cooling activities (activities 1, 3, 6 and 44) now in effect

We have reviewed water heating and space heating and cooling products on the VEU Register of Products (product categories 1, 3, 6 and 44) to determine which products will remain valid for installation from 31 March 2025.  

We have updated Victorian Energy Upgrades program documents to reflect recent revisions to warranty requirements for water heating and space heating and cooling activities (activities 1, 3, 6 and 44).

We have also updated documents to clarify pricing and co-payment requirements for water heating (activities 1, 3 and 44), space heating and cooling (activity 6), cold room (activity 43) and induction cooktop (activity 46) activities. 

We have released an updated activity guide to clarify eligibility of certain upgrades for the commercial and industrial heat pump water heater activity (activity 44). 

We have updated Victorian Energy Upgrades program documents to reflect co-payment and warranty requirements for water heating (activities 1, 3 and 44), space heating and cooling (activity 6) and cold room (activity 43) activities commencing on 1 February. 

We have also made a minor update to the activity guide for induction cooktop activity (activity 46), and to VEEC creation forms for the low flow shower rose activity (activity 17).

Clarifying appropriate use of Victorian Government, VEU and Essential Services Commission logos, and images of parliamentarians by VEU industry participants.

We have released updates to the VEU Registry and program documents to reflect legislative amendments to refrigerator and freezer (activity 22), television (activity 24) and clothes dryer (activity 25) activities. And minor updates to the induction cooktop activity’s forms (activity 46).

We have released updated guidance, record-keeping requirements, product application requirements and forms for water heating and space heating and cooling activities (activities 1, 3, 6 and 44).

We have released updated activity guides to clarify requirements for pre-rinse spray valve (activity 36) and lighting (activities 27, 34 and 35) activities in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Insights from the first year of the new VEU accreditation framework, and focus areas for upcoming accreditations.

We have released updates to the VEU Registry and program documents to reflect legislative amendments, including introduction of the induction cooktop activity, and changes to water heating, space heating and cooling, and cold room activities.

Release of updated VEEC Creation Forms for water heating activity (activity 3) and space heating and cooling activity (activity 6).

Release of updated guidance documents to reflect the commencement of this ban pursuant to amendments to the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations 2018 (VEET Regulations).

Release of guidance documents and forms to reflect the release of VEU Specifications 2018 – Version 17.0 and other updates.  

Release of updated record keeping and VEEC assignment form requirements for non-building based lighting upgrades activity (activity 35).

Release of updated requirements and clarification for water heating activities (activities 1 and 3) and a minor clarification update for the Commercial and Industrial Heat Pump Water Heater activity (activity 44).

Clarification of compliance requirements under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program telemarketing ban in response to stakeholder queries.

Released updates to the Application Guide for Product Applicants and the Water Heating and Space Heating Cooling Product Application Guide.

A reminder to stakeholders of upcoming changes to water heating activities as outlined in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Specifications – v.16.0

Release of updated guidance documents to reflect the commencement of these bans pursuant to amendments to the VEET Regulations 2018.

Clarifying requirements for the installation of LED floodlights in existing enclosed light fittings and updates to the Non-Building Based Lighting Upgrade (Activity 35) Guide and declaration.

We have implemented changes to VEEC creation forms and VEEC assignment forms for all activities to support commission sending surveys to consumers and in preparation for the Victorian Government’s proposed telemarketing and doorknocking ban.

We have released an updated Space Conditioning and Shower Rose Activity Guide to clarify requirements of weather sealing activities (sealing door and temporary sealing of chimney or flue)

We have released an update to the Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate calculator for commercial and industrial heat pump water heaters (activity 44) in the Victorian Energy Upgrades registry to fix an error.

We have released updated record-keeping guidance for water heating and space heating and cooling activities and updated VEEC assignment forms for plumbing related activities.

We are addressing potentially anomalous Total Cooling Seasonal Performance Factors (TCSPF) for products in category 6 (space heating and cooling)

We have released updated guides and forms to reflect updated product and activity requirements for multi-split systems under activity 6.

We have released updated guidance about changes to the VEU Program commencing on 1 November 2023

We have released an updated guide and VEEC assignment forms for water heating and space heating and cooling activities.

New accreditation processes and standards, new program fees, and strengthened functions and powers for the commission.

We have released updated guidance documents and forms for water heating, space heating and cooling, home energy rating assessment and pre-rinse spray valve activities

The commission has removed two lighting products listed on the Essential Services Commission’s Register of Products in product category 34C under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target 2018 Regulations (VEET Regulations).

We have released updates to the VEU registry and updated documents to reflect amendments to the VEET Regulations and VEU Specifications

We have released an updated Water Heating and Space Heating and Cooling Product Application Guide and VEEC creation forms to assist stakeholders prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.

We have released updated guidance documents and VEU registry changes to reflect the release of VEU Specifications 2018 – Version 14.0, and a minor update to the VEEC creation form for weather sealing activity (activity 15)

Accredited persons will need to provide information about lead generation and acknowledge their compliance with the code of conduct when creating certificates.

We have released updated guidance for accredited persons and scheme participants undertaking weather sealing activities.

We updated the in-home display product application guide and water heating and space heating product application guide.

We have updated our forms to include questions relating to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) code of conduct.

We have released an updated guideline and industry materials to support accredited persons and scheme participants comply with the code of conduct in day-to-day practice.

We are continuing our assessment and have processed over 85 per cent of pending certificate claims for refrigerated cabinet installations.

We have released updated guidance documents and VEEC assignment forms to reflect the release of VEU Specifications 2018 - Version 13.0

An update on our progress in assessing pending certificate claims for the refrigerated cabinets activity.

We have released improvements to the product application portal of the VEU registry and made updates to a number of product application guides and forms.

We are continuing our assessment of pending certificate claims for refrigerated cabinet installations to review whether they comply with the program rules.

We have released an updated scoping plan approval form and combined scoping and project plan approval form for projects under the measurement and verification (M&V) method of the program’s project-based activities (PBA).

An update on our progress in assessing pending certificate claims for the refrigerated cabinets activity and a decision on claims for 29 June 2022 installations

We have released updated advice on our VEEC assignment form requirements in light of the code of conduct

We have now re-commenced the assessment of pending certificates, focusing initially on those claims for a refrigerated cabinet activity that have a lower per premise certificate total

Every business and person involved in engaging with customers or responsible for creating energy efficiency certificates under the VEU program is required to follow and adhere to the code

Government incentives for energy efficient refrigerated cabinets will be removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program as of today until a full activity review can be undertaken.

Victorian Energy Upgrades will not be progressing the registration of Victorian energy efficiency certificates for multiple installations of refrigerated cabinets.

We have published a new guideline to help Victorian Energy Upgrades program participants understand the requirements of the incoming enforceable code of conduct and adapt their business practices accordingly.

From 1 July 2022, every person and business involved in delivering discounted energy efficiency products and services under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program must follow an enforceable code of conduct.

We will be updating the classification of sixteen refrigerated cabinet products in our Register of Products effective 7 May 2022. We have also released an updated activity guide for the refrigerated cabinet activity to clarify an issue raised by stakeholders.  

Clarification of the acceptance of the AS/NZS 4234:2021 standard in the VEU program in Victoria.  

We have released updated guides and forms for water heating products and the commercial and industrial heat pump water heater activity.

We have released updated guidance for the installation of refrigerated cabinets under the VEU program.

Accredited persons are reminded to ensure VEEC creation claims for building based lighting upgrades (activity 34) accurately reflect the baseline environment, particular environments with lighting control devices present.

We have released updated guidance documents and VEU registry changes to reflect the release of VEU Specifications 2018 Version 12.0. Changes include introduction of a commercial and industrial heat pump water heater activity, changes to building based lighting upgrades activity and annual adjustment of the electricity emissions factor input value.  

We have updated the evidence requirements for cold room activity (activity 43) under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

We have released an updated Lighting product application guide which clarifies the testing standards for IP (Ingress Protection) and includes information on the new TM21 calculator. 

In response to stakeholder feedback, we have updated our measurement and verification method activity guide to clarify how stakeholders are to apply the effective range rule under the measurement and verification method of the VEU program. 

We are consulting on proposed changes to the evidence requirements for the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) cold room activity.

We have made changes to our requirements and product criteria in relation to water heating and space heating activities under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

We have released updated guidance documents and VEU registry changes to reflect the release of VEU Specifications 2018 Version 11.0.  Key update is revision to refrigerated display cabinet activity (activity 32).  Other minor updates relating to activities 10, 33 and 34.  

We have made changes to the evidentiary requirements for in-home displays (activity 30) and high efficiency refrigerators and freezers (activity 22).

We have released a new calculator based on the revised standard to establish the lifetime of LED lamps.

We have made changes to the Victorian energy efficiency certificate creation form for public lighting upgrade in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

We have updated our lighting product application guide to clarify the definition and requirements of voltage reduction units for product category 34 (building based lighting upgrade products).

We have made amendments to the declarations in the VEEC assignment form for Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) project-based activities.

Clarification and updates of existing requirements in the product application guide.

From 17 August 2021, cold room activity (activity 43) commences under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

We have updated the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) registry and released updated documents to reflect changes to electricity emissions factors, incandescent lighting activities and project-based activities pursuant to the updated Victorian Energy Upgrades specifications.

We have updated the evidence required for low flow shower roses (activity 17) and the revised the space conditioning, shower rose and incandescent lighting activity guide.

We have completed the stakeholder consultation on switchable lamps. Based on the feedback received, we have now finalised our position on switchable products.

Our activity guides have been updated to reflect changes to VEU specifications 2018 and ABN/ACN evidential requirements for ‘non-residential and ‘business’ activities.

Our Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) project-based activities guidance documents have been updated based on feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

We have made changes to our mandatory safety training (MST) unit requirements for installers in the VEU program to reflect availability of unit offerings given some units have been superseded and replaced in 2020.  

We have updated our Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Building Based Lighting Upgrade Activity Guide with the changes to the evidentiary requirements.

We have updated our installer requirements for plug in style refrigerated cabinets under activity 32

We released a program update on 8 October seeking feedback on our proposed treatment of lighting products with switchable wattage settings. We are now seeking further feedback by 31 January

We have proposed changes to evidence requirements for high bay product replacements and invite stakeholder feedback by 30 November 2020

We have introduced new product application requirements for lighting products with switchable wattage settings. We invite you to provide feedback on how we manage the transition for lighting products with switchable wattage settings which are currently listed on the Register of Products.

We have updated our guidance documents and the VEU registry to implement changes to lamp product types and available upgrade lamp ballast combinations and asset lifetime references for lamps installed under activity 34.  We have also made changes to the certificate creation form for activity 27.  

We have proposed changes to product type and certificate creation for building based lighting upgrades (activity 34) and invite feedback on these proposed changes.    

We reduced requirements for product applications under building-based lighting upgrade where the product has already been approved either under public lighting upgrade or non-building-based lighting upgrade.

We have updated our guidance and evidentiary requirements for building based lighting upgrades.

We have made changes to our lighting activity guides to update on recycling invoice requirements and other matters.

We have released an updated Water Heating and Space Heating/Cooling Application Guide with updated documentary requirements.

We have changed some of our guidance documents to clarify and update requirements for undertaking lighting activities and in-home display activities under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

We have updated our evidentiary requirements for heating and space heating and cooling activities and clarified the use of appendix(s) in VBA Compliance Certificates and Certificates of Electrical Safety. Accredited persons must meet the new requirements from 12 December 2019.

From the week beginning 18 November, we will be automating our request for further information (RFI) process for all Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) created in the VEU Registry excluding VEECs for lighting activities (27, 34 J6, 34 Non J6 and 35) and project-based activities (PBA).

Victorian Energy Upgrades program documents have been updated to reflect the inclusion of mains powered in-home display units and to refine a number of requirements for in-home display activities under the program.

Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) are only eligible to be created for an activity 34 J6 lighting upgrade if the upgrade is a part of a site refurbishment that is required to comply with Part J6 of the Building Code of Australia.

The Lighting Product Application Guide has been updated to include new requirements.

Program documents have been updated to include new safety requirements for lighting products.

Program documents have been updated to reflect the inclusion of app-based in-home display units under activity 30 of the program.

There are new updates relating to the Measurement and Verification in Victorian Energy Upgrades – Specifications - Version 3.0 and other project-based activities document changes.

This update relates to requirements for accredited person justifications for ‘duplicate’ activities, and licensed electrician attendance at the installation premises for sign-off on the VEEC assignment forms lighting activities 21A, 21C, 21D, 21E and 21F (replacing energy inefficient lamps with efficient lamps).

Heat pump water heaters or gas/electric boosted solar water heaters are not eligible for replacement under the VEU program regardless of how they are operating or the fresh start rule.

Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) are only eligible to be created for installations at off-grid sites where the fuel source emits greenhouse gas emissions.

From 1 July 2019, every person must comply with the EPA’s Waste Management Policy, which is banning e-waste from landfill.

We will be releasing updates to the VEU Registry and our guidance documents to reflect the updated VEU specifications on 10 June 2019.

We will be releasing updates to the VEU Registry and our guidance documents to reflect changes to the program rules commencing on 10 June 2019.

Following our recent review, we have gazetted the updated Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) Guidelines, which takes effect from 3 June 2019.

We have updated the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Obligations and Program Guide for Accredited Persons to reflect that accredited persons must ensure that installers are equipped with safe portable ladders when performing residential lighting upgrades (and other relevant program activities).

Following consultation on the transition period to allow non omni-directional lamps to be installed under activity 21A, we have decided to extend the transition period for these lamps until 31 July 2019. 

We have made changes to our activity guides to clarify and update a number of requirements for lighting activities. 

We have proposed amendments to the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target guidelines and seek feedback on these proposed amendments.

We have released documentation to enable participation in the six new gas efficiency activities which commence on 1 March 2019 under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. You can now apply to become accredited for these activities. 

We have finalised our training and licensing requirements for incandescent GLS or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) replacement activities (activity 21A). From 12 February 2019, licensed electricians will need to be involved in all stages of this activity. Accredited Persons will need to provide appropriate training to minimise safety risks associated with the replacement of CFLs on installers and consumers.