On this page:
Why you should use the VEU program
Save money on your energy bills
- Investing upfront in energy-efficient products pays off with significant long-term savings.
- Efficient electric alternatives are now cheaper to run compared to gas.
Take advantage of the discounted appliances
You can receive rebates or discounts on equipment and appliances that help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Instead of a like-for-like replacement, choose energy-efficient products and take advantage of the rebates and discounts available.
Help save the environment
Electrifying homes is crucial for meeting the state’s 2030 emissions reduction targets.
Did you know?
- Upgrading hot water can save $100-$200 annually.
- Upgrading heating can save $150 to $600 annually.
- Over 2.2 million Victorian households have benefitted from the program since 2009.
- The VEU program will save 28 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions for Victoria between 2022 and 2025. That’s equivalent to taking more than 8.5 million cars off the road for a year.
How to receive a discount
Option 1: Accredited Provider installation
- Choose the eligible upgrade listed with Essential Services Commission.
- The VEU accredited provider provides an upfront discount to you.
- The VEU accredited provider completes the installation of an approved product.
Option 2: Choose your own installer
- Choose the eligible upgrade listed with Essential Services Commission.
- Hire a qualified tradesperson partnered with an accredited provider to handle the paperwork and secure your discount.
- Choose an eligible product.
Your qualified tradesperson:
- provides a quote including the discount
- completes the installation of an approved product
- returns completed forms to the accredited provider to process the discount.
Case study: Lincoln's VEU experience
Lincoln Lau is a homeowner and VEU household customer based in Brunswick.
His installer introduced him to the benefits of the VEU program.
Lincoln was looking for a new heating and cooling system after his old ducted gas heater broke.
He researched several providers before contacting a local business. He was pleased to learn they were a VEU Accredited Provider and could offer him a discount as part of his final installation cost.
They removed and replaced his old ducted gas system with an energy-efficient ducted reverse cycle system. Lincoln opted for a unit with a higher Energy Star rating.
“If my bills work out to be cheaper in the end, I don’t mind the upfront cost,” he said.
![Lincoln smiling with his energy-efficient ducted reverse cycle system.](https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0014/710312/varieties/image_gallery_large.jpg)
While Lincoln has always been keen to electrify his home, the discounts and rebates offered under the program were a huge incentive.
“If I can switch everything to electric, I would prefer that,” he added.
”It’s good that the government is offering discounts to help others switch to electric as well.”
Lincoln discussed the benefits available to other households. “I think with the rising cost of gas, the number one goal for Victorians is knowing that their gas bill won’t be so high on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
“That's what most people will be happy about.”
He added that free electricity is a big drawcard for households opting for solar energy.
Victorian Energy Upgrades newsletter for households
Sign up to find out about saving money on your energy costs, while helping us save the environment too.
Page last updated: 19/08/24