LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    Australia
    General

    Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program (Australia)

    State government initiative providing discounts on energy-saving products for Victorian homes and businesses.

    Available Amount

    Varies ($100 - $1,500+)

    Start Date

    January 1, 2009

    End Date

    Ongoing

    Eligibility

    All residents of Victoria; upgrades must be performed by an Accredited Provider.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    Heat pump water heatersReverse cycle air conditionersDouble-glazed windowsDraught sealing

    Policy Context & Overview

    Short Answer: The VEU program helps Victorians cut electricity bills by offering discounted energy-efficient upgrades through tradeable Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs).

    The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a market-based state initiative administered by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Under Victorian law, major energy retailers are required to meet annual greenhouse gas reduction targets. They do this by purchasing Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), which are created when accredited providers install energy-efficient products in homes and businesses. This system allows homeowners to access heavily discounted—and sometimes completely free—appliance upgrades.

    Discount Tiers & Supported Upgrades

    The level of subsidy varies based on the type of upgrade and the volume of carbon saved:

    Upgrade Type Average Out-of-Pocket Cost Typical State Rebate Value
    Electric Hot Water to Heat Pump $300 - $600 AUD ~$1,000 - $1,500 AUD
    Efficiency Space Heating (Split System) Varies by size ~$500 - $1,200 AUD
    Weather Sealing & Draught Proofing Free or minimal ~$100 - $250 AUD
    High-Efficiency Lighting (LED) Standard discount ~$50 - $150 AUD

    Note: In 2023, the VEU program phased out subsidies for new gas appliances to accelerate the state's residential electrification strategy.

    Eligibility & Compliance Rules

    • Location: The property must be a residential or commercial address located in Victoria.
    • Provider Accreditation: Upgrades must be organized and executed by a VEU Accredited Provider (known as an AP) or an approved sub-contractor.
    • Existing Appliance: For heating and hot water, the discount is only valid when replacing an older, inefficient system (e.g., replacing an electric storage tank or gas heater).

    Step-by-Step Application Guide

    1. Select a VEU Accredited Provider: Visit the official VEU website to find active APs operating in your local council area.
    2. Request Upgrade Quote: The AP will inspect your existing heating, lighting, or hot water system to confirm eligibility.
    3. Execute the Upgrade: Certified technicians complete the installation and decommission the old appliance (preventing it from being re-used).
    4. Sign Off Certificate: Sign the VEU assignment form, authorizing the AP to create VEECs for the carbon savings.
    5. Receive Discount: The AP applies the discount directly to your invoice or pays it as a rebate post-installation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: Why are some heat pump hot water upgrades advertised as free?
      • A: For simple installations (like replacing an outdoor electric tank), the value of the VEU certificates (VEECs) combined with federal STCs can cover 100% of the equipment and labor costs.
    • Q: Can tenants access the VEU program?
      • A: Yes. Tenants can access sealing and appliance discounts, but they must obtain written landlord permission for structural or permanent changes (like hot water systems).

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For

    Active

    Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) (Australia)

    Federal incentive creating Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that act as an upfront discount on solar and heat pumps.

    Up to $3,000 - $4,500 (Point-of-sale discount)

    Active

    NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) (Australia)

    New South Wales financial incentives encouraging households to install energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

    Varies ($50 - $1,000+)