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Energy

Business banned from energy efficiency scheme for false claims and doctored photos

Essential Services Commission 2 mins read

The Essential Services Commission has cancelled the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accreditation of MYOM Australia Pty Ltd for providing false photo evidence for energy efficiency projects.

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.

MYOM Australia is disqualified from reapplying for VEU accreditation for two years.

The commission found MYOM Australia and contractors working on its behalf made false claims about lighting upgrades to claim more certificates, including:

  • submitting photos of the same decommissioned lighting as evidence for multiple upgrades
  • staging and fabricating evidence of upgrades and decommissioned equipment
  • digitally manipulating photos.

The commission also previously refused registration and ordered the surrender of 75,253 energy efficiency certificates for the same conduct, valued at $6.2 million.*

*Figure calculated using the certificate value of $85.60, the spot price on 9 September 2026.

Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody

“Manipulating photos and fabricating evidence to inflate claims is serious fraudulent conduct. We stopped MYOM Australia profiting from its misconduct and now it has lost the right to participate in the program altogether.”

“Victorians need to have confidence that the energy savings claimed through this program are real. When businesses manipulate evidence to claim benefits they’re not entitled to, they undermine that confidence. Our action protects the integrity of the program and the interests of Victorian consumers.”

MYOM Australia applied to the commission for a review of the decision to cancel its VEU accreditation. The review was completed on 29 October 2026 and the cancellation was upheld, but the disqualification period was reduced from five years to two years.

MYOM Australia also applied to the commission for a review of the decision to refuse registration of certificates. The review was completed on 13 August 2026 and the decision was upheld. 

MYOM Australia is entitled to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to review both decisions.


Contact details:

[email protected]

0437 677 385

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