Current Victorian government rebates - Active, inactive and upcoming

Navigating the landscape of government rebates can be challenging for Australian homeowners looking to make energy-efficient upgrades. With various programs starting, changing, and occasionally ending, it's crucial to stay informed about what financial assistance is currently available. At EcoOrigin, we're committed to helping you access the maximum rebates possible when upgrading to energy-efficient solutions like air conditioning systems and heat pump hot water systems. This comprehensive guide breaks down all current Victorian government rebates, what's no longer available, and what might be coming soon, helping you make the most cost-effective decisions for your home improvements.

1. Understanding Victorian Energy Efficiency Programs
2. Active Victorian Government Rebates
3. Recently Ended Rebate Programs
4. Upcoming Rebate Opportunities
5. How EcoOrigin Helps You Access Rebates
6. Interstate Comparison: Victorian vs NSW Rebates
7. To Conclude...
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Victoria leads Australia in providing financial incentives for homeowners to transition to energy-efficient appliances and systems. These programs aim to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help Victorians manage their energy costs. The Victorian government operates several rebate schemes simultaneously, each with specific eligibility requirements, targeted technologies, and financial benefits.

The Three Pillars of Victorian Energy Rebates

1. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: The flagship energy efficiency scheme that provides discounts and offers for a range of energy-saving products and services.
2. Solar Victoria Programs: Focused on solar panel installations, solar hot water systems, and battery storage to promote renewable energy adoption.
3. Energy Efficiency Council: An industry association that promotes best practices, provides training and advises bodies on policy.

Let's explore what's currently active under each of these pillars.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

The VEU program is Victoria's premier energy efficiency initiative, operating since 2009 (originally as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme). It creates a market for energy efficiency by placing obligations on energy retailers to meet annual targets.

Air Conditioner Rebate Victoria

One of the most popular components of the VEU program is the air conditioner rebate in Victoria initiative. This rebate applies when upgrading from:

1. Existing inefficient ducted gas heating
2. Inefficient electric resistance heating
3. Older, less efficient air conditioning systems

Eligible homeowners can receive discounts of up to $2,000 when installing high-efficiency reverse cycle air conditioners like the Rinnai or Midea Ducted system. The exact rebate amount depends on:

1. Your existing heating/cooling system
2. The efficiency rating of your new system
3. The size and location of your property
4. Current VEU certificate values

Key Eligibility Requirements:

1. The property must be in Victoria
2. Must be replacing an eligible existing system
3. The new system must meet minimum energy efficiency requirements
4. Installation must be performed by a VEU-accredited provider like EcoOrigin

Heat Pump Hot Water Rebate Victoria

Another active rebate under the VEU program supports the installation of energy-efficient heat pump hot water systems. This heat pump hot water rebate in Victoria initiative offers discounts of up to $1,000 when replacing:

1. Electric storage hot water systems
2. Gas storage hot water systems
3. Gas instantaneous hot water systems

Current Rebate Values (as of May 2025):

1. Replacing electric storage: $1,000-$1,800
2. Replacing gas storage: $800-$1,200
3. Replacing gas instantaneous: $800-$1,200

The Victorian government continues to promote heat pump technology as a highly efficient alternative to traditional water heating methods, with rebates designed to offset the higher upfront costs.

Solar Victoria Programs

Solar Homes Program

While not specifically for air conditioning or heat pumps, the Solar Homes Program remains active and provides rebates for:

1. Solar panel (PV) system installations - up to $1,400 rebate plus interest-free loans
2. Solar hot water systems - up to $1,000 rebate

Earlier, the program had home battery storage rebates too, but they have been phased out. Instead, interest-free loans of up to $8,800 are now available through Solar Victoria.

This program complements the VEU incentives, allowing homeowners to potentially access multiple rebates when undertaking comprehensive energy upgrades.

Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs)

VEECs form the currency of the VEU program. Each certificate represents one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The current market value of VEECs (as of May 2025) is approximately $65 per certificate, which translates into the actual discount amount applied to your upgrade.

For a typical 3-bedroom home transitioning from gas ducted heating to an energy-efficient air conditioner, this might generate 30-40 VEECs, resulting in a Victorian government free air conditioning rebate of approximately $1,950-$3,000.

Victorian Solar and Heat Pump Rebate Bundling

A key advantage of the current Victorian rebate landscape is the ability to bundle multiple incentives. Homeowners can potentially access:

1. VEU discounts for air conditioning
2. VEU discounts for heat pump hot water
3. Solar Victoria rebates for solar panel installation

When strategically combined, these rebates can significantly reduce the cost of comprehensive home energy upgrades, with approximate total savings of $5,000-$7,000 on customers’ complete energy efficiency renovations.

Understanding which programs have recently concluded is important to avoid disappointment and misinformation. The following Victorian rebates are no longer active:

Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program

This targeted program provided rebates of up to $1,000 for eligible concession card holders to replace old heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners. The program reached its capacity in December 2024 and is currently not accepting new applications.

Victorian Healthy Homes Program

This research program provided free home energy upgrades to vulnerable Victorians with complex healthcare needs. The evaluation phase concluded in late 2024, and the program is not currently active, though lessons learned may inform future initiatives.

PowerSaver Bonus

The $250 PowerSaver Bonus for concession card holders to compare energy deals concluded in April 2025 after reaching its participation target.

Based on government announcements and industry consultations, several new rebate programs are anticipated to launch in the coming months:

Enhanced VEU Program (Expected Q3 2025)

The Victorian government has announced plans to expand the VEU program with increased incentives for:

1. Multi-dwelling upgrades (apartments and townhouses)
2. Regional Victorian properties
3. Combined system upgrades (heating, cooling, and hot water)

Climate-Resilient Homes Initiative (Proposed)

This proposed program would provide targeted rebates for homes in climate-vulnerable areas to upgrade cooling systems and improve building thermal performance. While not yet active, government consultation papers suggest rebates of $2,000-$3,500 could be available from late 2025.

Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Grants

While primarily targeting businesses, this upcoming program may benefit residential property owners with mixed-use buildings or small commercial premises. Expected to launch in August 2025, it will offer matching grants for energy efficiency upgrades, including HVAC systems.

As an Accredited Provider (AP) under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, EcoOrigin simplifies the entire rebate process:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Our experts determine which rebates your property qualifies for.
2. Rebate Maximisation: We identify combinations of rebates to maximise your savings.
3. Paperwork Management: We handle all documentation and verification requirements.
4. Upfront Discounts: Rebates are applied as instant discounts, not reimbursements.
5. Compliance Guarantee: All installations meet the strict requirements of rebate programs.

This end-to-end support ensures you receive every dollar of rebate you're entitled to without navigating complex government processes.

For those with properties in multiple states or considering relocation, understanding the differences between Victorian and NSW rebate programs can be valuable.

Air Conditioner Rebate NSW

The NSW government offers rebates through the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS), similar to Victoria's VEU program. The air conditioner rebate in NSW is typically:

1. Generally lower than Victorian equivalents due to lower ESC prices and different scheme structures
2. More strict in eligibility requirements
3. Administered through Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) rather than APs

Heat Pump Hot Water Rebate NSW

The heat pump hot water rebate in NSW program offers:

1. Rebates of $500-$1,000 for residential properties
2. Additional incentives for regional areas
3. Slightly simpler eligibility criteria than Victoria

Key Differences

1. Certificate Values: NSW Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) typically trade at lower values than Victorian VEECs.
2. Application Process: NSW has a more centralised application system.
3. ‍Eligibility Zones: NSW divides the state into climate zones with varying rebate values.
4. Technology Preferences: Victoria more strongly favours heat pump technology over other solutions.

For homeowners with properties in both states, EcoOrigin can provide tailored advice on maximising 7rebates across jurisdictions.

The Victorian government continues to lead Australia in providing substantial rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades. With currently active programs offering potential savings of thousands of dollars on air conditioning and hot water systems, now is an opportune time to consider upgrading your home's energy performance.

Rebates are dynamic, with programs regularly evolving to meet changing climate goals and energy market conditions. By partnering with an accredited provider like EcoOrigin, you can ensure you get maximum available rebates while installing quality systems that deliver long-term energy savings.

Book your site assessment with EcoOrigin today and discover how much you could save with energy-efficient upgrades, plus instant rebates and expert installation.

1. Can I claim multiple rebates for the same upgrade?

You generally cannot claim multiple Victorian government rebates for the exact same equipment. However, you can claim different rebates for different components of your energy upgrade (e.g., air conditioning, hot water, insulation).

2. Do rebates cover installation costs?

Yes, most Victorian rebates are calculated to offset both equipment and standard installation costs.

3. What happens if rebate programs change after I've applied?

Once your rebate is approved, it's typically secured even if program rules subsequently change.

4. Are rebates taxable?

Most energy efficiency rebates are not considered taxable income for residential properties, but we recommend consulting your tax professional.

5. Can rental properties access these rebates?

Yes, rental properties are eligible for most Victorian energy rebates, though they may require landlord approval and tenant coordination.

6. How quickly do rebate values change?

Rebate values tied to certificate markets (VEECs) can fluctuate monthly, while fixed rebates typically remain stable for 6-12 month periods.

7. Is there a limit to how many rebates a single property can claim?

There's no fixed limit, but each program has specific equipment limits (e.g., one air conditioning system per property).

Note: This information is current as of May 2025. Government rebate programs are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, always check official Victorian government sources or speak with an EcoOrigin specialist.

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