The Essential Services Commission has cancelled the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accreditation of Save Energy Solutions after finding the company made false claims about energy efficiency projects.
The VEU program is designed to help Victorians cut their energy bills by supporting households and businesses to use energy more efficiently.
Accredited providers carry out approved efficiency upgrades that qualify them to create Victorian energy efficiency certificates, which can then be traded or sold.
According to the commission, Save Energy Solutions submitted doctored photos of heat pump water heater installations as evidence for multiple projects to fraudulently claim certificates.
Investigators found manipulated images showing “false drill holes across multiple tanks” and altered compliance plate details on original hot water systems.
The commission has also ordered the surrender and refused registration of 1,920 Victorian energy efficiency certificates, valued at $154,080, based on the spot price of $82.50 as of 23 January 2026.
Following these findings, the commission determined that Save Energy Solutions “no longer considered fit and proper or competent and capable to be accredited” under the VEU program.
Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody said the company’s conduct represented a serious breach of trust and program integrity.
“Submitting false evidence is a flagrant and serious breach of program rules,” said Brody.
“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.”
He said the commission’s strong enforcement powers enable it to respond firmly to misconduct.
“The commission has strong enforcement powers for repeated and serious VEU rule breaches and will not hesitate to use them,” he said.
“This includes issuing fines to businesses and their directors.”
Save Energy Solutions was initially suspended from the VEU program in October 2025 after the commission’s preliminary investigation uncovered “concerning conduct”.
The suspension immediately halted the company’s activities while investigators assessed the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and considered further enforcement measures.
The non‑compliance was first detected through routine assessment of certificates created by Save Energy Solutions.
The commission said its enhanced compliance processes are now identifying more potential fraud and non‑compliance cases.
“We’re monitoring the VEU program closer than ever to uncover wrongdoing, including a new Fraud Taskforce and more site inspections,” said Brody.
“So don’t think you’ll get away with breaking the rules.”
The commission said it continues to investigate Save Energy Solutions due to the serious nature of the alleged conduct and may take additional enforcement actions.
The case underscores the growing scrutiny on participants in the $1 billion VEU scheme, which generates around three million certificates annually and plays a key role in helping Victoria meet its emissions reduction targets.
