The Essential Services Commission has banned one accredited business from the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, and refused millions of dollars in certificates claimed by two businesses for allegedly providing false information about energy efficiency projects and breaching consumer protections.
The VEU program is an energy efficiency program that helps 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 then sell.
Energy Efficient Upgrades
The commission has cancelled the VEU accreditation of Shantey Pty Ltd (Energy Efficient Upgrades) for providing false information for its energy efficiency projects and breaching consumer protections. The business is banned from re-applying for VEU accreditation for five years.
The commission alleges Energy Efficient Upgrades and contractors working on its behalf:
- staged photos to falsely claim upgrades, including bringing water heater units to a premises with no existing water heaters as false evidence of decommissioning
- engaged in banned sales and marketing activity, including doorknocking, telemarketing and high-pressure sales tactics
- failed to obtain co-payments from consumers for multiple upgrades, including paying some consumers in cash to use as a co-payment or refunding co-payments.
The commission is considering further action against Energy Efficient Upgrades and has refused registration and ordered the surrender of 2,586 certificates, valued at over $200,000*.
Ecosaver Australia
The commission has refused registration of 48,550 certificates created by Ecosaver Australia Pty Ltd, for providing falsified photo evidence for its energy efficiency projects and breaching consumer protections. The refused certificates are valued at around $4 million*.
The commission alleges Ecosaver and contractors working on its behalf:
- made false claims about upgrades to claim more certificates, including submitting photos of the same decommissioned lighting as evidence for multiple upgrades
- claimed for upgrades that did not comply with VEU and industry rules
- engaged in banned sales and marketing activity, including doorknocking and telemarketing.
The commission is actively considering further action against Ecosaver Australia.
Energy Efficient Upgrades and Ecosaver are entitled to apply to VCAT to review the decisions to cancel its accreditation and to refuse to accept registration of certificates.
*Figure calculated using the certificate value of $83.70, the spot price on 24 March 2026.
Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“This action against Energy Efficient Upgrades and Ecosaver Australia shows the commission is serious about stamping out unacceptable behaviour in the VEU program and putting consumers first.”
“Accredited businesses must ensure people doing work on their behalf follow the rules. If they don’t, it’s their reputation and profits at stake.”
“Our strong approach to compliance and enforcement is important to provide a level-playing field for businesses that do the right thing and to give consumers confidence in the VEU program.”
Energy Efficient Upgrades and Ecosaver Australia applied for a review of the following commission decisions:
- Cancellation of Energy Efficient Upgrades’ accreditation.
- Refusal of allegedly non-compliant certificates claimed by Ecosaver Australia.
The reviews were completed on 26 March 2026 and upheld the above commission decisions.
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