Changes to the VEU induction cooktops activity (activity 46) and clarification of eligible lighting control devices (activities 27 and 35)

We have released updates to Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program guides and the VEU Registry to reflect changes to the induction cooktops activity (activity 46) and to clarify eligible lighting control device combinations (activities 27 and 35).

30 June 2026

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (the department) has released updated Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations 2018 (VEET Regulations) and Victorian Energy Upgrades Specifications 2018 - version 24.0 (VEU Specifications) to make changes to the VEU induction cooktop activity. To complement these changes, the commission has released updated Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Guidelines (VEET Guidelines).

Amendments to this activity were made following a public consultation by the department evaluating the induction cooktop activity’s pilot phase. The response to consultation paper can be found on Engage Victoria.

The VEU Specifications update also clarifies eligible lighting control device combinations for public lighting upgrade activities (activity 27) and non-building based lighting upgrade activities (activity 35).

Changes to the induction cooktop activity (Activity 46)

The updated VEET Regulations introduce the following changes to the induction cooktop activity:

Extend the VEU induction cooktop activity beyond 30 June 2026 (the activity’s pilot period).
Remove the requirement for induction cooktop products to be listed on the Secretary’s product list.

The product eligibility criteria for these products remain unchanged. From 1 July 2026, any induction cooktops (46A) or freestanding combined induction cooking product (46B) that meets the following criteria is eligible for installation:

has a cooktop surface of at least 500mm wide and 380mm deep
has a cooktop surface with a minimum of 3 independently controlled cooking zones
covered by a warranty against defects for a period of at least two years.

Induction cooktops (46A) products must be designed to only be permanently mounted-in bench.

Products will no longer need to be listed on the Secretary’s Product List or VEU Product Register.

Revised record-keeping requirements

The commission has amended the record-keeping requirements in the VEET Guidelines for this activity to remove the requirement for accredited persons to collect a gas bill / LPG invoice from the consumer as evidence of gas connection at the time of purchase.

We have instead included a declaration in the VEEC assignment form, to be made by the customer, confirming the residence in which the product is to be installed is connected to gas/LPG.

These changes have been made in response to stakeholder feedback supporting removal of this requirement to reduce administrative barriers for consumers to participate in the activity.

Updated program documents

We have updated the following program documents to reflect the above changes:

Accredited persons and scheme participants will need to use the updated VEEC assignment form for activities undertaken from 21 July 2026.

VEU Registry updates – from 1 July 2026

We have updated the VEU Registry to reflect the removal of the requirement for products to be listed on the VEU Register of Products. The Register of Products previously mirrored the list of products on the Secretary’s product list.

Application Programming Interface (API) submissions for this activity will no longer be supported. All VEEC creations for this activity will have to be submitted manually through the VEU Registry from 1 July 2026.

When entering product information to create VEECs for the induction cooktop activity, you will be able to either:

Select the brand and model of products of previously listed eligible products – i.e. products which were listed on the Secretary’s product list (version 3) as of September 2025, or
Enter the brand and model of an eligible product not currently listed in the VEU Register of Products by selecting ‘Other, please specify’ under Product Brand.

Accredited persons are responsible for ensuring that the induction cooktop product meets the requirements as stated in part 46 of the VEU Specifications. We may refuse registration of certificates if the induction cooktop product does not meet program requirements.

Clarification on eligible lighting control devices for public lighting upgrade activities (activity 27) and non-building based lighting upgrade activities (activity 35)

Tables 27.7 and 35.7 in the VEU Specifications have been updated to clarify that the only eligible lighting control device combinations for public lighting upgrade and non-building based lighting upgrade activities are upgrades with programmable dimmers and occupancy sensors.

Updated program documents

We have updated the following guides to reflect the above changes.

Where to get help

If you have any questions about matters set out in this update, please contact the Victorian Energy Upgrades program support team on (03) 9032 1310 or veu@esc.vic.gov.au