Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program 2026: A Complete Guide
Today, energy costs are rising, and many households are looking for smarter ways to save. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a government scheme that assists homes and businesses in consuming less energy. The scheme reduces energy costs and reduces environmental impact. The scheme provides discounts for energy-saving products, making energy-saving upgrades more accessible to all. In this guide, you will learn how the VEU scheme works, what discounts are available, how much you can save, and who qualifies. We'll also discuss how to apply and how to make the most of your savings with smarter long-term energy solutions.
What is the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program?
The VEU program, formerly known as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme. It is a long-running initiative by the Victorian Government. It is designed to help households and businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously lowering their electricity and gas bills. Since starting in 2009, it has made efficient appliances much cheaper for millions of Victorian homes and businesses.
It works through Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). When you upgrade to a better appliance, an accredited provider creates these certificates based on the carbon saved. The provider then sells these to energy retailers. This income allows them to give you upfront discounts or rebates on your new high-efficiency products.
Victorian Energy Upgrades: What Can You Get a Rebate For?
The Victorian government energy rebate supports a wide range of home and business upgrades. These improvements reduce energy use, lower running costs, and improve everyday comfort. Here are the key upgrades you can claim a rebate for this year:
LED lighting replacements
Old halogen and incandescent lights can be replaced with efficient LED lighting. These upgrades often come at very low cost or even for free. LEDs use less power and last much longer.
Heating and cooling systems
Inefficient heaters and coolers can be upgraded to modern energy-efficient systems. This reduces energy use while improving indoor comfort in both summer and winter.
Heat pump hot water systems
Replacing an old gas or electric storage unit with a high-efficiency heat pump can qualify you for a rebate of 50% (up to $1,000) through the VEU program.
Energy-efficient air conditioners
The program specifically rewards the installation of VEU-approved reverse-cycle split or ducted systems. These units provide both heating and cooling at a much lower running cost.
Insulation and draught sealing
Improved insulation helps keep warm air inside during winter and heat out in summer. Draught sealing reduces energy loss and improves overall home efficiency.
Solar power systems
The VEU program mainly supports solar for businesses and industry. However, households aren't left out of the mix. You can still get support for residential solar panels and solar batteries. These are available through separate Solar Victoria rebates and interest-free loans.
Benefits of the VEU Program
The VEU program is not just a discount; it's a way to make your home more valuable and comfortable in the long run. This is why thousands of people in Victoria are switching in 2026:
Significant savings on energy bills
By installing energy-efficient appliances, you'll notice a major drop in your monthly utility costs. These improvements use less power overall, which means you'll save money in the long run.
Upfront discounts and rebates
The program provides immediate financial incentives to lower the cost of new equipment. You can access point-of-sale discounts on high-quality products like heat pumps and LED lighting.
Environmental impact and emissions reduction
Every upgrade helps Victoria reach its net-zero goals. To date, the program has abated over 87 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of taking millions of cars off the road.
Improved home comfort
With the installation of modern heating, cooling, and insulation upgrades, you can enjoy a consistent temperature in your home. Your home will be warmer in winter and cooler during those hot summers.
Guaranteed quality
Only accredited providers can perform installations under the VEU scheme. All products must meet strict performance standards, ensuring you get reliable tech that is built to last.
How Much Can You Save with the VEU program?
Savings under the VEU program can vary from home to home. The final amount depends on a few key factors:
Type of upgrade you choose
Size of your household
Your current energy usage
Pricing from your chosen accredited provider
Typical savings ranges:
LEDs: Most businesses can still access subsidies that save up to 80% in lighting energy costs. For homes, many smaller upgrades remain low-cost or even free through certain providers.
Heating/cooling: Switching from old gas heaters to reverse-cycle air conditioning can save you thousands in upfront costs. You could also reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-40%.
Heat pump hot water: Potential savings of up to 60-70% on water heating costs are available. This switch alone can save the average home up to $330 every year on power bills.
Ceiling insulation: Launching in early 2026, this new discount halves the cost of installation—saving you roughly $1,500 upfront and over $400 a year on energy.
Who is Eligible for the VEU Program and How to Apply?
The VEU program is open to most Victorian households and businesses. There are no income limits, and both homeowners and renters can apply with property owner approval.
To receive a Victorian energy rebate, the upgrade must be completed by an accredited VEU provider. The provider makes sure that the product and installation meet the program's needs.
Steps to get started:
Assess your energy needs: Look around your home or business to see which parts could use an upgrade, like old lighting, hot water, or air conditioning.
Find an accredited provider: You must work with a registered provider who will assist you in identifying suitable products and processing the required paperwork.
Get a quote with rebate applied: Your provider will give you a quote that includes the cost of the upgrade and clearly shows the value of your rebate or discount.
Schedule installation and enjoy savings: After you accept the quote, your accredited provider will schedule the installation, and in most instances, you will only need to pay the lower price at the time of installation.
Beyond the Rebate: Maximize Your Savings with EcoFlow Home Battery
The VEU program helps reduce the cost of efficient appliances. But to move closer to $0 power bills, energy storage makes the biggest difference. A home battery lets you store solar energy and use it when electricity prices are highest. By storing your own solar energy, you stop relying on the grid and start running your home on your own terms. The EcoFlow Home Battery Solution is the ultimate tool for this, giving you total control over how you use every watt of power you generate.
All EcoFlow PowerOcean systems are CEC-approved, which means they are fully eligible for the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. If you get your system installed before May 2026, you can claim a massive rebate of roughly $311 per usable kWh.
EcoFlow PowerOcean Single-Phase Battery
This is the perfect fit for standard Australian homes looking for a secure and adaptable power asset.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Battery capacity | Starts from 5 kWh, expandable up to 15 kWh on one inverter |
Battery type | Advanced LFP (LiFePO₄) with 6,000+ cycles |
Warranty | Up to 15 years |
Protection | IP65 weather-resistant, built-in fire prevention and smart BMS |
Backup output | Up to 6 kW continuous off-grid power |
What it can power | Lights, refrigerator, freezer, Wi-Fi, computer, washing machine, microwave, dishwasher, and other essential appliances during outages |
EcoFlow PowerOcean Home Battery (Three-Phase)
Built for larger homes with higher energy demand, this system supports heavy electrical loads. It delivers strong performance and flexible capacity for growing households.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Battery capacity | Starts from 5 kWh, expandable up to 45 kWh |
Battery type | Industrial-grade LiFePO₄ with around 6,000 life cycles |
Warranty | Long-term performance design (up to 15 years use) |
Backup output | Up to 10–12 kW backup power |
Battery architecture | 800V high-voltage system with independent battery packs |
What it can power | Refrigerator, freezer, lights, router, washing machine, microwave, electric stove, and most household loads during blackouts |
EcoFlow PowerOcean Plus Solar Battery (Three-Phase)
Designed for heavy demands, complex roofs, and light commercial use to achieve complete power independence.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Battery capacity | 5kWh per pack, expandable up to 180kWh via parallel connection |
System voltage | 800V high-voltage architecture for higher efficiency |
Battery type | LiFePO₄ (LFP) with 6,000+ cycle life |
Converter design | Built-in DC-DC converter in each independent battery pack |
Backup power output | Up to 29.9 kW peak backup (system configuration dependent) |
Solar input | Massive 40kW solar input; supports large residential solar systems with hybrid inverter integration |
Protection rating | IP65 for indoor or outdoor installation |
Warranty | Up to 15 years design life |
What it can power | Full home backup including ducted air conditioning, EV chargers, pool pumps, electric hot water, kitchen appliances, and high-load equipment depending on system size |
Schedule a free consultation with EcoFlow experts to get a solar battery quote for the best energy-saving solution for your home or business.
What kind of product or solution are you interested in?
Smart Energy Management: EcoFlow Intelligent HEMS
The EcoFlow Intelligent HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is the smart brain behind your home energy setup. Powered by EcoFlow OASIS. It helps you hit real energy independence—saving cash, boosting solar use, and making things hassle-free. It monitors everything in real time, then auto-optimises charging, discharging, and appliance use. Perfect for Australian homes with solar and batteries like PowerOcean in 2026.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Savings Potential | Can help reduce electricity bills by up to 77.6% when paired with a solar battery system. |
SmartEarning Mode | Fully automated mode that charges the battery during low-price periods and uses stored energy when grid rates are high. |
Energy Forecasting | Features 90% accuracy for both solar generation and home consumption predictions. |
Emergency Backup | Automatically charges batteries to 100% when severe weather is detected 24 hours in advance. |
App Control | Real-time monitoring of net usage, solar generation, and environmental impact via the EcoFlow app. |
Load Management | Automates load balancing and prioritizes controllable appliances like heat pumps and EV chargers. |
Conclusion
The VEU program helps Victorian households and businesses easily upgrade to efficient energy options. With upfront discounts and long-term savings, it helps reduce power bills without a high initial cost. From lighting and heating to hot water systems, these upgrades improve comfort and cut energy use. Over time, the savings add up and also lower your environmental impact.
To maximise your savings, consider combining VEU upgrades with solar and battery storage. A solution like the EcoFlow PowerOcean system stores excess solar energy for later use. This cuts down on your reliance on the grid and keeps your home powered even during blackouts.
FAQs
1. Can I claim the VEU program rebate more than once?
Yes. You can get the VEU rebate more than once for different upgrades that qualify. For example, you may claim for lighting now and heating later. Each installation must meet program rules and be completed by an accredited provider.
2. What happens to my old appliance during a VEU upgrade?
In order to ensure that the energy savings are real, it is necessary to decommission your old appliance. The old appliance will be removed by the accredited provider. They will also make sure that it is recycled or disposed of properly.
3. Where can I find accredited providers for Victorian energy rebates?
You should only work with providers officially registered with the Essential Services Commission (ESC). You can find a full list of these Accredited Persons on the ESC's public register website or by looking for the VEU logo on a provider's site.
4. Are there income or property limits for Victorian energy rebates?
No, the VEU scheme is not means-tested, which means that it is open to all Victorian residents and businesses. There are no income requirements or property value limits. The goal is to reduce statewide emissions and energy consumption for everyone. The main requirement is using an accredited provider for the work.
5. How do I verify a product is approved for a Victorian energy upgrade?
All products installed under the program must be listed on the official VEU Product Register. You can check this list online yourself. Alternatively, you can ask your chosen accredited provider for proof. Always do this before the installation begins on your property.
