Changes to evidence requirements for cold room activity (activity 43)

Changes to evidence requirements for cold room activity

Proof of commercial transaction and energy consumer (tax invoice document) – all activity scenarios

We have removed the requirement for recording the installation date on the tax invoice. We accept that this may not accurately represent the installation date where there is an extended commissioning process, and that the installation date is already captured in the certificate of electrical safety.

Upgrade product(s) (geo-tagged photographs of the installed parts) – activity 43A

We have removed the requirement for providing a geotagged photograph showing the electronic expansion valve and superheat controller nameplates. We accept that a photograph(s) of the valve and controller units are sufficient when supported by other evidence requirements.

Upgrade product(s) (geo-tagged photographs of the installed parts) – activity 43B(i) and 43B(ii)

We have amended the evidence requirement to allow a document from the manufacturer listing the various components of the system, as per Victorian Energy Upgrades program specifications. A photograph of the system’s nameplate can also be provided as an alternative to supplying photographs of the nameplate of each installed part.

Temperature factor (geo-tagged photograph of the thermostat controlling the installed cold room system) – all activity scenarios

We have removed the requirement for providing a geotagged photograph showing the superheat set point. We accept that a geotagged photograph of the cold room set point or actual temperature is sufficient for us to determine compliance with the activity’s temperature factor requirement.

New evidence requirements for upgrade involving multiple cold rooms and a shared compressor and/or condenser – activity scenario 43B(i) and 43B(ii)

We have amended the evidence requirement for technical data sheet(s) for activity scenarios 43B(i) and 43B(ii) to include provision of a schematic diagram (such as a single line diagram) of the refrigeration system. This applies in situations where a site upgrade involves multiple cold rooms using a shared compressor and/or condenser. The provision enables us to confirm that the compressor and/or condenser are indeed common to each of the cold rooms being claimed.

Submissions received

We received one submission to our consultation which endorsed the proposed changes in evidence requirements outlined in the consultation paper. The submission suggested that the temperature factor evidence requirement involve supplying a photograph clearly showing the cold room temperature set point or actual temperature on the responsive controller display.

We have updated our evidence requirements to include this proposed change, as we accept that a photograph of the actual temperature will validate the temperature factor and is easier to access when the system is operational.

Eligibility of multiple cold rooms upgraded with a shared condenser and/or compressor

We have clarified our position that an upgrade involving multiple cold rooms using a shared compressor(s) and/or condenser(s) – or a shared combined compressor and condenser in a single refrigeration system – can be claimed based on the number of cold room upgrades. This is provided that other upgrade components have been installed in each cold room, and the upgrade meets all requirements for the relevant activity scenario as detailed in Part 43 of the Victorian Energy Upgrades Specifications.

For example, an accredited person will be able to claim certificates for three activities for an upgrade at a single site under activity 43B(i) involving:

the upgrade of a single condenser and compressor serving three cold rooms in a single refrigeration system

the installation of new electronically commutated evaporator fans in each of the three cold rooms.

Changes to evidence requirements for cold room activity (activity 43)

22 December 2021