The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme is about to undergo a makeover, with new regulations, a new online presence and a new name.
From 10 December, the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme will be officially known across the commission’s websites and documentation as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
The name change will be rolled out alongside remade regulations, following the mandatory 10-year review.
The VEET scheme commenced in 2009, in order to:
make energy efficiency improvements more affordable
contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases
encourage investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply energy efficiency goods and services.
The program provides households and businesses with access to discounted energy-saving products and upgrades through accredited providers. Every upgrade allows accredited providers to generate Victorian energy efficiency certificates. Each certificate represents one tonne of greenhouse gas abated. Energy retailers are then required to buy and surrender these certificates to meet legislated targets.
Why we are changing to Victorian Energy Upgrades
While the commission administers the program and regulates participation in the program, the program policy is set by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
In late 2017, the government rebranded the public-facing aspect of VEET as the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The commission's administrative work remained known as the VEET scheme in alignment with the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act.
Changing the name of the work we do to align with the government's branding will remove confusion for energy consumers, product providers and the broader public.
Now is the perfect time to make the change, alongside the remade program regulations on 10 December.
Review of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations
In Victoria, regulations must be remade every 10 years. The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations were established in 2008, and are due to expire on 11 December 2018.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have reviewed the 2008 regulations, and consulted on the proposed replacement regulations. The finalised remade regulations will take effect on 10 December 2018. Note that the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (Project-based Activities) Regulations 2017 are fundamentally unaffected by these changes.
New home for information relating to the program
At the same time, we will launch new web pages here on the commission website for information relating to our Victorian Energy Upgrades program work.
With the recent launch of the new commission website, we have taken the opportunity to consolidate information in one place and make use of the enhanced functionality of the new site.
The online database for the program – which manages the creation, transfer and surrender of certificates, and hosts the program’s various registers and calculators – will be rebranded as the VEU registry, and be accessible at www.veu-registry.vic.gov.au (note, this URL is not yet live).
