Care for Environment’s Victorian Energy Upgrades accreditation suspended – effective immediately

The Essential Services Commission has suspended the accreditation of Carers Club Australia Pty Ltd (trading as Care for Environment) in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for allegedly breaching the program’s rules. 

An initial investigation identified alleged breaches involving the creation of non-compliant Victorian energy efficiency certificates and we found that Care for Environment is no longer fit and proper for the purposes of accreditation. 

The commission considers that immediate suspension is necessary while we further investigate the alleged conduct. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we may take additional action against the business. 

Accredited businesses must comply with the program rules, including the enforceable VEU Code of Conduct and other relevant laws. We take breaches of VEU obligations seriously and will not hesitate to use our strong enforcement powers when required.

About the Victorian Energy Upgrades program 

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program helps Victorians reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by providing access to discounted energy efficient products and services. The program also encourages investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply these products and services. 

Large energy retailers are required to acquire and surrender Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) to meet annual targets set in Victorian legislation. ‘Accredited persons’ that carry out eligible upgrade activities by installing energy-efficient products in residential or non-residential premises can create VEECs. 

The greenhouse gas savings associated with the installation of an energy efficient product and/or decommissioning of an inefficient product determines the number of VEECs that can be created. The level of incentive or discount received by households and businesses varies depending on the market activity and certificate price.