21 June 2024

Important information on refrigerated cabinets

In January 2024, the Victorian Government released its Refrigerated Activity Review Response to Consultation. The Response to Consultation noted that the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) expected to publish updated regulations and specifications and re-introduce the RC activity into the VEU program by 1 July 2024. DEECA provided a clear cautionary note that:

  • four-sided display plug-in products would be excluded
  • DEECA would monitor the types of products being installed by accredited providers and would move quickly to expand this exclusion to other products if required.

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has recently published a rule change update on refrigerated cabinet upgrades under the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) in response to emerging issues in that state. Updates to refrigerated cabinet upgrades under the NSW ESS include:

  • Suspending all new refrigerated cabinet installations
  • Removing eligibility for any four-sided display cabinet
  • Removing the 'Total Display Area' from the calculation of lifetime
  • Clarifying replacement upgrades must be for like-for-like equipment.

The issues that have recently emerged in NSW follow concerning conduct from some accredited providers in Victoria in 2022 as outlined in the VEU Refrigerated Cabinet Activity Review. Recent feedback from industry representatives indicates that refrigerated cabinets with a four-sided display area are likely to be of poor quality and may have been designed to maximise available incentives. The large total display area for these products results in a high star rating when calculated in accordance with the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) 2020 Determination, and increased incentives under the VIC and NSW activities.

DEECA has been made aware that some accredited providers are now looking to promote other multi-sided display cabinets for installation under the VEU program once the activity is re-introduced which will result in a higher star rating as result of their large total display area, increasing available incentives. This is concerning given the recent issues in NSW. DEECA considers that these issues require attention before the RC activity is to be reintroduced in the VEU.

DEECA will therefore be delaying the introduction of incentives for plug-in refrigerated cabinet activities until further notice while these matters are fully investigated.

DEECA will consider whether further changes to the activity are required to ensure products and activities are consistent with the objective of the Act and the program, once the activity is re-introduced. DEECA will issue further communications on the status of the refrigerated cabinet activity once further information is to hand.

Please note: that remote refrigerated cabinet products (GEMS Classes 12 to 15) which use a common central condensing system to supply units with refrigerant and require qualified tradespeople to install will continue to be eligible to be installed under the VEU program.

Co-payments and warranties and induction cooktops consultations

In April 2024, DEECA published consultations on electrification co-payments and warranties and the proposed introduction of a new induction cooktop activity. Both consultation papers stated that a response to consultation would be released prior to the planned commencement of activity requirements in July 2024. DEECA is finalising its position on both consultations. Response to consultations will be published in Q3 2024, with stakeholder given advance notice and a transition period before any requirements come into effect.

Page last updated: 23/07/24