By Julius Ewudo, ASEAN Region Representatives

An innovative initiative by the Victorian government, The Victorian Energy Upgrade, is revolutionizing the approach towards home energy efficiency. This programme, evolving through various iterations from LED lighting to heat pumps, has broadened its scope to encompass a range of household appliances, assessments, and more.

The programme issues Victorian Energy Efficient Certificates (VEECs) to products significantly reducing household carbon footprints. Historically, these certificates have fueled companies like PowerPal to offer complimentary services to Victorian homes. However, the programme’s recent expansion includes a broader selection of products such as clothes dryers, washing machines, and refrigerators. Obtaining these certificates, which currently trade for around 60 AUD, isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.

A myriad of approved providers offer different energy-efficient products, but only a handful of resources make this information accessible and user-friendly. Enter VoltaRocks – gearing up to launch Australia’s first mobile application dedicated to appliance energy consumption analysis. This app allows users to compare options based on budget, energy rating, and operating costs.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Oscar Omegna, founder of VoltaRocks, shares, “Before knowing about the programme new inclusions, I purchased a 7-star energy-efficient dryer. Had I known, I could have received a rebate of almost 200 AUD. This realisation was a driving force behind VoltaRocks, aiming to assist Victorian families in finding deals with the right information for their purchases.”

The Victorian Energy Upgrade is expanding its product range and working to eliminate cold-calling and door-knocking practices by offering a more streamlined, user-friendly approach to accessing these rebates.

Looking ahead, VoltaRocks is set to release ‘Private Eye’ in April this year – a feature dedicated to navigating rebates and grants. For Victorians eager to stay informed and make savvy energy-efficient purchases, VoltaRocks offers a free app just a download away.