VEU Program: Winners & Woes
KEY POINTS
- No Cold Calls! – The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program does not involve unsolicited phone calls or door-to-door sales. If someone claims otherwise, they are likely from a lead generation business selling low-quality products with poor or non-existent warranties.
- Huge Savings on Heating & Cooling – Households can get significant discounts on energy-efficient air conditioners and heat pumps, with rebates ranging from $630 to over $5,000 depending on the system type and capacity.
- What Are VEECs? – Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) represent greenhouse gas reductions from energy upgrades. These certificates help lower installation costs for consumers through government-backed incentives.
Simple & Legitimate Process – To access VEU rebates, only engage accredited providers (like us) listed on the official program website. They will assess your needs, install the system, and apply the discount directly—no upfront payments required.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a game-changing government initiative that empowers Victorians to slash their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by offering discounted energy-efficient products and services. However, while the program opens doors to incredible savings and a greener future, it’s essential to steer clear of potential pitfalls. Dodgy operators and scam calls masquerading as VEU representatives can lure unsuspecting consumers into poor-quality deals, leaving them with unreliable products, weak warranties, and no recourse. Let us guide you to be a winner—not a victim—by navigating the program confidently and avoiding the woes of these deceptive practices.
Beware of Unsolicited Contacts
It’s important to note that legitimate representatives from the VEU program will not cold-call you or engage in unsolicited door-knocking. The Victorian Government has banned such practices under the program to protect consumers from high-pressure sales tactics and other inappropriate marketing. If you receive unsolicited communications claiming to be from the VEU program, be cautious, as these are likely from unaccredited entities attempting to sell subpar products with inadequate warranties.
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Solutions
One of the key areas where the VEU program offers significant benefits is in heating and cooling. By upgrading to energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioners or heat pumps, households can achieve substantial energy savings. These systems provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile solutions for year-round comfort. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, resulting in higher efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to traditional heating and cooling methods.
Potential Savings
The VEU program provides varying levels of incentives depending on the type of system being replaced and the capacity of the new unit. For example:
Installing an efficient room reverse cycle air conditioner:
- Replacing a hard-wired electric resistance room heater with a 3kW to 9kW unit can yield discounts of up to $840.
- Upgrading from a non-ducted gas heater to a similar unit can result in savings between $630 and upwards of $1,500.
- Replacing a hard-wired electric resistance room heater with a 3kW to 9kW unit can yield discounts of up to $840.
Installing an efficient ducted reverse cycle air conditioner:
- Replacing a central electric resistance ducted heater with a 10kW to 22.4kW system can offer discounts of up to $5,460.
- Upgrading from a ducted gas heater to a 10kW system can provide savings over to $2,500, with higher discounts available for larger capacities.
- Replacing a central electric resistance ducted heater with a 10kW to 22.4kW system can offer discounts of up to $5,460.
These incentives significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing and installing new systems, making energy-efficient upgrades more accessible to a wider range of households.
Understanding VEECs
The incentives under the VEU program are facilitated through Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). Each VEEC represents a specific amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced by the installation of an approved energy-efficient product. Accredited providers generate VEECs by implementing these upgrades and can trade them, effectively passing on the financial benefits to consumers in the form of discounts. The number of VEECs generated depends on the type and efficiency of the product installed, with more efficient upgrades yielding more certificates and, consequently, higher discounts.
How to Participate
To take advantage of the VEU program:
Contact an Accredited Provider (Like yours truly): Engage with a provider accredited under the VEU program like Lightning Energy. A list of accredited providers is available on the official VEU website.
Assessment: Our team will assess your current heating and cooling systems and recommend suitable energy-efficient upgrades.
Installation: Our in-house team/ a qualified technician will install the new system, ensuring it meets the program’s standards.
Enjoy the Benefits: Experience reduced energy bills and improved comfort with your new efficient heating and cooling system!
By participating in the VEU program, you not only save on energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future for Victoria. Upgrading to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems is a practical step towards reducing your household’s carbon footprint while enhancing comfort.
For more information and to find accredited providers, visit the official Victorian Energy Upgrades website.
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Melbourne deserves better air conditioning – and VRF systems deliver. Whether you’re upgrading your home, office, or investment property, Lightning Energy is here to make it happen.
Own your comfort. Take control of your energy. Start your air con install with Lightning Energy today.
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Written By:
Luke Cove
Managing Director
Lightning Energy
