New accreditation processes and standards, new program fees, and strengthened functions and powers for the commission.
Changes to the Victorian Energy Upgrades program from 1 July 2023
30 June 2023
From 1 July 2023, important changes to the Victorian Energy Upgrades program come into effect – including new accreditation processes and standards, new program fees, and strengthened functions and powers for the commission.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program plays a key role in Victoria’s transition to a net zero emissions economy, and encourages investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply energy efficient products and services.
So far, the program has helped over two million households and more than 160,000 small businesses cut their power bills through energy efficiency measures that reduce their overall energy usage.
These changes follow consultation undertaken by the Victorian Government as part of its review of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act 2007, and are intended to enable effective regulation of the program so that it continues to deliver the best outcomes for consumers, industry, and the environment.
Under the new accreditation standards, applicants will be required to pass a fit and proper persons test, and a competent and capable test each year. Also, accreditations will expire 12 months after the date on which they are granted, and participants will be required to apply to renew their accreditation each year.
The new fee structure from 1 July 2023 (and further revisions to fees occurring on 1 November 2023) will help resource the commission to effectively exercise its functions and provide oversight of the program.
From 1 July 2023:
|
|
Existing fee |
New Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Application for accreditation |
$500 |
$3000 |
|
Application for renewal of accreditation |
N/A |
$1000 |
|
Application for approval of a project impact report |
N/A |
$500 |
|
Application to list a product on the ESC Register |
N/A |
$500 |
|
Lodging an energy acquisition statement |
N/A |
$3122 |
|
Request for reconsideration of a reviewable decision |
N/A |
$750 |
The commission will also have new powers to provide stronger protections for accredited persons and consumers, helping to prevent and deter non-compliance with the program.
These include powers to direct and undertake assurance and compliance audits, and new enforcement tools for specified breaches of the program rules (such as issuance of penalty notices and civil penalty litigation).
A webinar will be held on 11 July 2023 at 10am-11am, to discuss these changes in detail. Please register at Eventbrite to attend.
If you have any queries, please contact VEU Support on (03) 9032 1310 or via email: veu@esc.vic.gov.au