Changes to Register of Products for refrigerated cabinet products

We identified changes in the product class assigned to 18 refrigerated cabinet products (product category 32(21)) in the Register of Products for the VEU program (see table below). These changes were required due to changes in the GEMS register since we first listed these products in October 2021. The latest GEMS register has clarified the correct product class for the affected products.

The update to the Register of Products would impact on the number of certificates awarded for the installation of affected products as listed in the table below.

# Assuming a regional factor of 0.98 (i.e. assuming installations in metropolitan Melbourne)

We had originally identified changes in the classification of 12 of the above products and had sent an email to stakeholders accredited (and those who have applied for accreditation) to undertake refrigerated cabinet activities in the program on 9 March seeking feedback on how an update to the register to rectify the error would impact on their business.

We received feedback from a number of affected accredited providers which detail installations and stock arrangements which will be adversely impacted by the proposed update to the register.

While we have a disclaimer on the VEU Registry website which sets all information is subject to change without notice and the commission is not liable to any person for any loss suffered in connection with the VEU registry, we are committed to developing an appropriate solution which balances the integrity of the program and accredited providers’ participation in the program. 

Proposed changes to Register of Products to correct the product classification

Based on stakeholder feedback, we proposed providing affected accredited providers with a six weeks transition time frame prior to updating the register with the correct class for affected products. This transition would allow affected providers to claim certificates under the program using the original classification for installation of adversely affected products for installations undertaken up to 6 May 2022. This transition would only apply to the sixteen products which will return fewer certificates as a result of the update (i.e. products listed in table above from numbers 1 to 16).

We proposed updating the register for the remaining affected products (i.e. products listed in the table above from numbers 17 and 18) following the end of this consultation (i.e. on 30 March 2022). Accredited providers seeking to claim certificates for these affected products were advised to delay their certificate claims for these products to this date. 

We also proposed removing the following products from the register on 30 March 2022 as we believe they are not valid products.

• Brand: Polar Refrigeration; Model: Polar Freezer
• Brand: Polar Refrigeration; Model: Polar Refrigerator (class 14).

The above approach provided the right balance between ensuring the integrity of the program and providing appropriate relief for affected accredited providers to deliver on their commitments and to pivot their business operations to incorporate the change in certificate values for affected products. 

Consultation outcome

We invited feedback on the proposed transition timeframe for updating the register of products for the above changes. Submissions closed on 29 March 2022. 

Read about the outcome of the consultation.

Contact us

If you have any questions or feedback regarding this consultation, please contact Victorian Energy Upgrades support on (03) 9032 1310 or veu@esc.vic.gov.au