Unlock Savings with the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program for Businesses

Do you want your business to save money on overhead costs like cooling and hot water? If your business is in Victoria, you can benefit from green energy initiatives.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program and its Energy Savings Scheme incent businesses to reduce their energy usage, as well as its associated costs. The program encourages replacing inefficient systems with energy-efficient alternatives. It offers hefty rebates for upgrades in heating, cooling, refrigeration, and hot water systems. 

Since 2009, the VEU program has supported more than 1.8 million households and more than 100,000 businesses as they upgrade various appliances and equipment. In doing so, the program has reduced Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 million tonnes – saving Victoria $4 billion in energy costs. 

To help you navigate the various aspects of the Victorian Energy Savings Scheme, we’ve broken down some of its main components. Keep reading to see how the program can benefit you. 

Air Conditioning Rebates for Businesses and Residential Properties

Both businesses and residential property owners can take advantage of ESS air conditioning rebates. Businesses especially can benefit with reduced energy costs. However, residential properties can also see lower bills. 

Air Conditioning Rebates

The VEU program offers significant rebates to businesses upgrading from old, inefficient systems. Outdated air conditioners like gas or slab heating can be replaced with energy-efficient models like multi-head split systems. These systems are more efficient because they let businesses cool multiple rooms with one outdoor unit. They thereby use less energy than traditional systems. 

Slab heating and gas units, on the other hand, are inefficient. They result in higher operating costs and more greenhouse gas emissions. By upgrading to a split system, businesses can reduce their energy usage and costs – as much as 25%.

Benefits for Businesses

When businesses upgrade to efficient air conditioning systems, they enjoy a variety of advantages, including:

• Businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills thanks to the new systems’ increased efficiency.
• Rebates provided by the VEU can offset the upfront costs of installation. So, it’s more affordable for businesses to make the switch.
• The improved control over a building’s heating and cooling zones leads to more comfortable working environments. That can improve productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Businesses with large spaces or multi-level offices benefit the most from split systems. They can target specific areas for heating and cooling, unlike central systems that treat the entire building uniformly.

Residential Air Conditioning Upgrades

While primarily aimed at businesses, the VEU program also offers rebates for residential properties looking to upgrade their air conditioning systems.

Homeowners can save a significant amount on energy bills by replacing old air conditioning units with energy-efficient models.

The program provides similar incentives as commercial customers, although the rebates may be smaller compared to businesses because of the scale of usage.

Energy savings for homeowners include reduced electricity consumption and lower maintenance costs. These upgrades are therefore an attractive option for residential properties.

Commercial Refrigeration Upgrades

Commercial refrigeration accounts for a hefty chunk of many businesses’ operating expenses. Fortunately, the VEU and ESS help ease the cost of upgrading to an efficient model. 

Why Commercial Refrigeration Matters

Industries like hospitality, retail, and food services expend a significant portion of their energy usage on commercial refrigeration. But older refrigeration units – anything more than 10 years old – tend to use more energy. That drives up their operating costs. It also can result in more costly repairs. 

Outdated refrigeration systems often lack modern features like energy-efficient compressors. Newer systems also boast improved insulation. So, they run more efficiently with decreased energy bills. 

​​Available Incentives and Upgrades

The VEU program and the ESS offer businesses rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient commercial refrigeration systems. Eligible equipment includes energy-efficient fridges, freezers, display cases, and refrigerated storage units. Newer systems employ advanced cooling technologies like variable-speed compressors and LED lighting. They can substantially cut energy consumption. 

For example, if a business upgrades from a standard display fridge to an energy-efficient model, they can save thousands of dollars in annual energy costs. 

The rebates for businesses can cover a significant part of the upgrade cost. That way it’s even easier for companies to invest in energy-efficient refrigeration. 

Long-term Savings and Environmental Impact

When businesses upgrade their refrigeration systems, they see reductions in both their energy bills and their carbon footprints. Ultimately, they contribute to environmental sustainability. 

On average, a business that switches to energy-efficient refrigeration systems can expect to reduce its energy consumption by 15-35%, depending on the scale of the operation.

The upgrades also help businesses comply with increasing government regulations on energy efficiency and emissions. That reduces the risk of future fines or penalties.

Of course there are also valuable environmental benefits. They include reduced greenhouse gas emissions since energy-efficient refrigeration systems use less electricity. They also can utilize eco-friendly refrigerants.

Free Hot Water Upgrades

The Victorian Energy Upgrades for Businesses VEU also offers discounts on hot water heater upgrades. How would you like to upgrade your equipment for absolutely free?

Overview of Hot Water Upgrades

You can’t get a better price than free. Under the VEU program, businesses are eligible for free hot water upgrades. That way, they can replace inefficient units with energy-efficient models – at no cost! 

Hot water accounts for a significant portion of many businesses’ energy use. This is particularly true in industries like hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing – all places where hot water is needed on a regular basis. 

Types of Hot Water Systems Covered

What sorts of hot water systems are covered by the VEU rebate? The program covers the installation of energy-efficient hot water systems. Examples of covered equipment include heat pump water heaters and solar hot water systems. 

How do these hot water systems work? Heat pump water heaters transfer heat from the air to the water. They thus use far less electricity than traditional electric hot water heaters. Likewise, solar hot water systems use the sun’s energy to heat water. They also reduce energy consumption and offer long-term cost savings. 

Businesses can replace their old systems that rely on electricity or gas. They can install new, efficient models that offer substantial savings on energy bills. 

Currently, for commercial installations, the cost of the unit itself is covered by the VEU commercial HWS rebate. That means businesses enjoy a brand new hot water system – for free. It can save hundreds of dollars.

Benefits to Businesses

How exactly do businesses benefit from efficient hot water heaters? Consider the following:

• Businesses that upgrade to energy-efficient hot water systems can see hefty savings on their water heating costs.
• Free upgrades reduce the financial barrier for businesses to switch to these more efficient systems.
• The environmental benefits of upgrading hot water systems include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with government sustainability initiatives.
• Businesses can position themselves as environmentally conscious by adopting greener technologies. That can enhance their brand reputation and appeal to eco-minded customers.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades for Businesses VEU Eligibility

Are you interested in VEU rebates, but you aren’t sure you are eligible? While the program is far reaching, there are a few criteria that must be met. These include:

• Upgrade existing equipment with a new, more energy-efficient model. The rebates do not cover completely new installations.
• Use an accredited provider like Efficient Energy Group.
• Choose approved models. Don’t worry if you’re unsure, we can help with the process.
• Use a licensed installer to install the equipment. We can also help with this step.
• Decommission and remove your old system. You can’t install a second system alongside your old one to receive the rebate.
• VEU program participation is encouraged, but it’s not mandatory.

Take Advantage of the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program for Businesses

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers a variety of benefits to the state’s businesses. Advantages include cost savings, energy efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact. 

Businesses should take advantage of the rebates and free upgrades. After all, the savings on energy bills can far outweigh any initial investment. 

Efficient Energy Group can help businesses navigate the program. We’ll assist you in identifying eligible upgrades and secure rebates. Our team will make the process seamless from start to finish. Some of our process includes:

• We’ll help you identify the cost savings and energy efficiency that you can gain by upgrading your old equipment. 
• We’ll help you choose the best unit for your property’s requirements. 
• We’ll then assist you with understanding and navigating the rebate application process.
• We will supply and install your new equipment. We’ll also decommission your own unit so you qualify for the rebate.
• We’ll even show you how to use your new system! 

If you’re a business or home owner in Victoria, we can save you time and money with huge discounts through the Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme. 

Contact Efficient Energy Group today for a consultation on how you can benefit from the VEU program.