The Essential Services Commission has cancelled the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accreditation of Save Energy Solutions for making false claims about energy efficiency projects.
The VEU program is an energy efficiency program, designed to help Victorians cut their energy bills by supporting households and businesses to use energy more efficiently. Accredited businesses undertake energy efficiency upgrades that entitle them to create Victorian energy efficiency certificates, which they can sell.
The commission alleges Save Energy Solutions submitted doctored photos of heat pump water heater installations as evidence for multiple projects to fraudulently claim certificates. The photos showed false drill holes across multiple tanks and manipulated compliance plate information on the original hot water systems.
The commission also ordered the surrender and refused registration of 1,920 Victorian energy efficiency certificates, valued at $154,080*.
The commission no longer considers Save Energy Solutions to be fit and proper or competent and capable to be accredited under the program.
The commission immediately suspended Save Energy Solutions’ accreditation in October 2025 after the initial investigation identified concerning conduct. This put an immediate stop to the alleged non-compliance so the commission could further investigate its conduct and consider additional enforcement action.
The non-compliance was identified through routine assessment of certificates Save Energy Solutions created for upgrades.
Due to the serious nature of this conduct the commission is continuing to investigate Save Energy Solutions and will consider additional enforcement action.
*Figure calculated using the certificate value of $82.50, the spot price on 23 January 2026.
Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“Submitting false evidence is a flagrant and serious breach of program rules. This is why we were quick to suspend and now ban Save Energy Solutions, while we consider additional action. The system works – if you break the rules, it will cost your business.”
“The commission has strong enforcement powers for repeated and serious VEU rule breaches and will not hesitate to use them. This includes issuing fines to businesses and their directors.”
“We’re monitoring the VEU program closer than ever to uncover wrongdoing, including a new Fraud Taskforce and more site inspections. So don’t think you’ll get away with breaking the rules.”
Contact details:
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