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victorian energy saver program

Why do you think the VIC gov is giving these upgrades for free?

“Free” always makes you raise an eyebrow, right? But the Victorian government is rolling out these offers through the Victorian Energy Saver Program, because when communities thrive and greenhouse gas emissions drop, we all benefit.  As responsible citizens, we should take advantage but also take responsibility: understand the eligibility criteria, engage with accredited installers, and respect Traditional owners and Elders past and present in the stewardship of the Country.

In short, by making wise, energy-efficient choices through the Victorian Energy Saver Program, along with cutting bills, we’re caring for our planet and honouring those who’ve protected this land long before us.

Victorian Energy Saver Program

This is a broader rebrand of the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (a.k.a. the VEU program), offering water-efficient shower heads, exhaust fan seals, and even in-home energy display (IHD) monitors, all installed at no cost for eligible Victorian households. The idea is to reduce electricity bills, tackle water waste, and build energy-smart homes across the state.

Free Upgrades VIC

1. Water-saving shower heads for every bathroom

Love long showers but hate the bills? The efficient shower head upgrade is for you.

  • Water flow rate reduced to ~9 litres per minute, compared to older models running at 15+ L/min.
  • Saves up to 20,000 litres of water annually for a family of four.
  • An improved water pressure design ensures your shower experience remains enjoyable.
  • Helps reduce both water and energy bills, especially if you’re heating water with electricity or gas.
  • Full free installation by an A-grade technician.

You can claim efficient shower head units often rated at 4 stars WELS with a litres per minute (flow rate) at about 7.5 L/min. Designed to preserve water usage without compromising the shower experience, they cut both energy consumption (by reducing hot water demand) and bills.

Heating water is one of the top energy drains in a Victorian household. This switch to a water-saving showerhead yields long-term savings without compromising your lifestyle.

2. Exhaust fan & door seals

Drafts make your heater or AC work overtime. These simple upgrades stop that.

  • High-quality weather seals are fitted to external doors.
  • Prevents heat escape and cold air entry.
  • Instantly makes your home more energy efficient and comfortable.
  • Fully covered under the VEU program, including free installation.

Good sealing can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 25%.

Prevent air leaks, drafts, and noise leading to lower energy use in heating or cooling zones. We’re talking about exhaust fan flaps and chimney seals that keep your home snug and efficient.

3. In-Home Displays (IHDs)/Energy monitors

These smart devices give you real-time control of your energy, with data on electricity consumption, helping you track usage and make sustainable choices. When you manage your electricity bills, you’re in charge of reducing energy bills and carbon impact. If you can see your energy use, you can control it.

  • Shows your electricity consumption in real time.
  • Helps you manage appliances and reduce wasteful usage.
  • Compatible with most smart meters in Victoria.
  • Offers insight into daily, weekly, and monthly usage patterns.
  • Makes energy-saving a family-friendly, trackable goal.

These energy monitors are often provided and installed for free. Some models even come with app support, giving you control at your fingertips.

Who Qualifies?

  • Victorians living in residential properties – owner-occupiers and tenants
  • Up to three shower heads per household are free; multiple units are allowed for businesses and landlords
  • No income cap; most people who haven’t had an upgrade in the past 16 months are eligible
  • Providers must be accredited under the Victorian Energy Saver Program or VEU
  • You’re required to have the older item replaced, so installers remove old fixtures.

Why These Upgrades Matter

  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions: By reducing hot water use and improving thermal efficiency, your household footprint drops.
  • Energy efficient living: The upgrades target daily use items like showerheads and seals, which make a BIG difference over time.
  • Cost savings: Even a small reduction in flow rate adds up, cutting both energy use and your water and energy bills.

This is climate action you can feel, see, and save from.

Quick Steps

  1. Check eligibility online with the Victorian Energy Saver Program portal, or just contact us
  2. Book a free site assessment—usually same-day or within a week our professionals will audit your site and current system.
  3. Accredited installer visits: They bring your water-efficient shower heads, seal kits, or IHDs and install them on the spot, all with free installation
  4. Install done; any old fixtures removed and recycled
  5. Use your IHD or adjust your shower flow, and see savings show up over time
  6. Lower water and energy bills, and the knowledge that you’re playing your part in Net Zero.

What about LED Lighting?

LED Lighting, which was initially free for residential properties, is no longer available. As of February 2023, the VEU program discontinued free residential LED light replacements. But businesses with old lighting systems can still access fully free commercial LED lighting upgrades, including installation, through the accredited VEU channels. Current focus for free home upgrades is on water-saving shower heads, draft sealing, and energy monitors.

Connecting Climate & Community

The Victorian Energy Saver Program is a government initiative deeply tied to community care. The program supports traditional values: acknowledging Elders past and present, and planning for future generations. Reducing water and energy consumption helps maintain safe and livable environments in the face of climate stress.

What Comes After These Free Upgrades?

Many customers ask: “So, what can I do next if I want bigger change?”

  • Consider upgrading your old hot water system with a heat pump or solar hot water under additional funding programs
  • Ask your accredited installer about bundling in home insulation, or energy-efficient window seals
  • Look into other grants like solar panel rebates, or better heat pump hot water systems, to push toward Net Zero in your home

Final Thoughts

Green “UPGRADE” button with a hand cursor pointing to it.

By adopting the Victorian Energy Saver Program, you save on bills, lower your carbon footprint, manage your energy use with clarity, and step into a healthier, greener future. It’s low-hassle, high-impact, and totally energy efficient.

Just remember to deal with trusted providers like Eco Foot, who keep the process transparent. Book your site assessment today and make a free swap.

FAQ's

You may be eligible for free water-efficient showerheads, weather seals, chimney seals, exhaust fan seals, and IHDs. Residential LEDs are no longer free, but commercial upgrades may still be available under the VEU program.
Free roof insulation isn’t part of the main VEU program, but some council-led or low-income pilot schemes may offer it. Always check with your local council for the current options available. You can also contact us to know more about eligible upgrades.
Rebates include heat pump hot water systems, reverse cycle ACs, IHDs, commercial LEDs, and weather seals. Many upgrades are free or discounted depending on your eligibility.
Free VEU products like showerheads and seals are available via providers like Eco Foot. Check energy.vic.gov.au or contact us directly for the latest offers.

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