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We welcome the opportunity to provide our submission responding to the Discussion Paper released as part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Strategic Review. Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) strongly supports the role of the VEU program in providing information and support to Victorians to access energy efficient upgrades and electrification, as part of Victoria’s transition to clean energy.

In our submission we highlight key insights formed through our financial counselling casework supporting Victorians calling the National Debt Helpline (NDH). We also reference our recommendations provided in our previous Submission to the VEU Program Strategic Review to ensure equitable and fair participation and access to energy upgrades, particularly for low-income households.

Each year, Consumer Action assists hundreds of Victorians struggling to afford their energy costs. These people are often on low-incomes and are less able to afford the upfront costs of energy efficient upgrades to their home. For many callers to the Victorian NDH, the financial barriers to accessing upgrades can often result in higher gas and electricity costs, through continued use of inefficient appliances, or energy inefficient housing that requires significant energy usage in heating and cooling to maintain liveable standards.

As the transition to electrification progresses, the expansion of the VEU Program is necessary to achieve the next milestones and goals of Victoria’s transition to renewable energy. We highlight the importance of prioritising Victorians on low-incomes, and those experiencing vulnerability, as key cohorts who will require targeted support as part of an equitable energy transition. Without implementing measures that will prioritise people in these circumstances, many Victorians could be left behind paying for a legacy grid.

Read the full submission (PDF).