Last November, the commission suspended Green Target Australia from participating as an accredited person in the program, after an investigation indicated one of the business’ subcontractors exaggerated claims about energy consumption during energy efficient lighting upgrades at farms and businesses in regional Victoria.
The commission also imposed a condition on Green Target Australia’s ongoing accreditation, requiring it to conduct an independent audit of its processes and controls to show they were robust enough to uphold the program’s rules and identify any issues.
Chairperson Kate Symons said the commission had now taken further action by revoking Green Target Australia’s accreditation after it failed to submit the independent audit report by the January 2023 deadline.
“Green Target Australia not only failed to submit an independent audit report, but it also made no contact after the commission gave it an opportunity to explain its failure - all of which has eroded confidence in its ability to participate in the program,” Commissioner Symons said.
“This program delivers important outcomes for Victorians and any business that wants to be a part of it must reliably act to high standards. Accreditation is a privilege, and we expect accredited persons to be accountable and quickly rectify compliance issues.”
Commissioner Symons said the commission has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program which has so far reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 74 million tonnes while lowering participating customers’ power bills.
“We have no hesitation in taking action when conditions imposed by the commission aren’t followed and we will soon have expanded enforcement powers which will strengthen our ability to hold scheme participants to account,” she said.
“I encourage all accredited persons to regularly review their business activities and practices for compliance with the program rules and make sure they maintain effective oversight of their staff and subcontractors.”
