You may have heard about the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program but not know how to claim your VEU rebate benefits for your home or business. A lot of people are aware of the savings available, but don’t know if they’re eligible, how to get started, or what paperwork is needed. The truth is, there is not much to it – when performed by an accredited provider such as Opt Energy, the VEU rebate process is easy to follow. 

Let’s take a look at this step-by-step.

The VEU Rebate: What is It?

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) is a State Government initiative to lower energy prices and emissions through the promotion of energy efficiency upgrades in the residential sector.

Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) are generated when an old appliance is replaced with an approved energy-efficient product. These certificates are purchased by your accredited provider and credited to energy retailers as an up-front discount for installation.

No waiting for cashback, no reimbursement process and no complex applications. It is just that the amount you pay is less at the beginning.

Operating since 2009, the Scheme has helped millions of homes and businesses in Victoria to upgrade their energy use, and is one of the most successful energy-saving schemes in Australia.

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility isn’t as limited as some believe. Victorian households and businesses may be eligible to apply, subject to property, product and VEU program requirements.

You are eligible if:

  • Your home is in Victoria
  • The property has been built at least two years ago.
  • You have arrived at a point at which you need to install a more efficient system.
  • Installation by an accredited provider
  • Renters may also qualify with landlord approval. If you’re in doubt, you can use Opt Energy’s easy, no-commitment eligibility check to verify eligibility.

Step 2 – Pick an Accredited Provider

This is a very critical step. The rebate can only be used by an accredited VEU provider. Even when the product is eligible for a discount, if you select a non-accredited installer, you will not get a discount.

We handle the process for you at Opt Energy. Eligibility checks and applying the rebate 

at the time of installation are all taken care of before the installation starts. Your quote will clearly specify total costs and savings, so you can be sure you are paying exactly what you will be saving.

Step 3 — Choose an Approved Product

Not every energy-efficient system is eligible. Products can be listed only on the official VEU Product Register.

Eligible upgrades include:

  • Reverse cycle split system air conditioners
  • Ducted reverse cycle systems
  • Heat pump hot water systems
  • Gas heater and wall furnace replacements

Rebate levels are dependent on the size of the system, type of product and the current certificate prices. Opt Energy offers you fixed pricing with rebates applied, giving you complete transparency.

Step 4 — Complete the VEEC Assignment Form

You must sign a VEEC Assignment Form before you install. This standard document enables Opt Energy to obtain the certificates for you and apply the rebate.

It is the only document required and only requires a couple of minutes. During booking, the team will support you through this and make it an easy and stress-free process.

Step 5 — Installation Day

Licensed technicians install your upgrade on installation day, following VEU standards. All necessary certifications (electrical, plumbing, as appropriate) are issued.

The team does not leave until your new system has been tested and is ready for use. The rebate is applied, and the discount is paid the day of purchase.

Step 6 — Certificates Lodged for You

Once installed, Opt Energy is responsible for the generation and submission of certificates to the appropriate agencies.

There’s nothing else you have to do – no forms, no follow-ups, no other steps. The whole process seems to be smooth and seamless from start to finish.

Is it possible to add the VEU rebate to other incentives?

Yes, and some rebates can add up to great savings.

Hot water upgrades are able to be backwards compatible with VEU discounts, and federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) eligible households can access Solar Victoria rebates as well. This can lead to savings of more than $2,000.

The value of a VEU rebate for heating and cooling systems can be up to thousands, particularly when you’re replacing your ducted gas heating system.

Avoid These Common Errors:

Here are some common problems to steer clear of to get your rebate:

  • Using a non-accredited installer
  • Installing non-approved products
  • Trying to claim rebates after installation
  • Trusting “free installation” offers that sound unrealistic

From the start of considering the process, it’s important to follow the right steps because minor errors are equivalent to a major loss of money.

Get Started With Opt Energy

The VEU program is on and available to Victorian households today. These savings can be significant whether you are replacing your heating, cooling or hot water system and looking for how to claim your VEU rebate savings.

With the entire process of checking eligibility, installation and rebate processing made simple by Opt Energy.

Call Opt Energy today or request a free assessment online. It can only take a few minutes to get started – and your savings may add up!