Why Ballarat Homeowners Should Use the VEU Program
VEU program: Wayne from Ballarat Hot Water Service explains how locals are slashing their energy bills and doing their bit for the environment.
G’day, Wayne here from Ballarat Hot Water Service. I’ve been installing hot water systems across Ballarat for over 20 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve seen change for the better, it’s the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. If you’re a homeowner in Ballarat looking to cut back on your power bills, upgrade old equipment, or ditch gas completely — this is something you’ll want to know about.
Let me break it down in plain English.
Save Money on Your Energy Bills
Look, I know “energy efficiency” doesn’t sound that exciting — but when it comes to your wallet, it matters.
The VEU program helps you save money long-term by giving you discounts on energy-efficient gear. We’re talking modern heat pump hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioners, LED lighting, and more. These upgrades don’t just use less power — they’re cheaper to run.
For example, a standard gas or electric hot water system could be costing you a fortune during Ballarat’s long, cold winters. A heat pump uses up to 80% less electricity, and if you’ve got solar, it’s even better. With government incentives through the VEU program, you’re not just saving in the long run — you get a big discount upfront too.
Take Advantage of Heavily Discounted Appliances
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they wait until something breaks down and then replace it with the same old thing — a like-for-like swap. But under the VEU, if you upgrade to a more efficient product, the government kicks in with a rebate or discount to make it worth your while.
That means instead of replacing your broken gas water heater with another gas unit, you could upgrade to a heat pump for a similar price after rebates — and then enjoy much lower running costs every year.
In Ballarat, we’re already seeing more homeowners switch over, especially as gas prices keep climbing.
Help Save the Environment While You’re at It
I’m not going to get all greenie on you, but let’s be honest — we all want to leave the place a bit better for our kids and grandkids. Switching to efficient electric systems reduces your household emissions, plain and simple.
The state’s aiming to hit some big emissions reduction targets by 2030, and home upgrades are a big part of that. Even just replacing your hot water system can cut $100–$200 off your annual bills, and heating upgrades can save $150–$600 per year.
Over 2.2 million households in Victoria have already jumped on the program since it started in 2009. And between 2022 and 2025, it’s expected to save 28 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions — that’s the same as taking 8.5 million cars off the road for a year.
VEU program: How to Get the Discount in Ballarat
The best option:
Use a VEU-Accredited Provider (like us)
We handle everything for you:
- We install an approved product
- Apply the discount upfront
- You just pay the balance — no paperwork stress
Be careful of cheap imports or someone offering ridiculous discounts. I bet the units they are flogging wont last and wiont give you any back up service. If we meet I’ll share some horror stories with you.
Real Ballarat Story: Meet Mark from Mount Clear
Mark had an old electric storage unit from the 90s. His winter bills were through the roof — sometimes over $500 a quarter. We upgraded him to a Reclaim Energy heat pump, applied the VEU discount, the Solar Victoria rebate, and his STCs.
His total out-of-pocket cost dropped by over $2,000 per year — and since then, his hot water usage has barely made a dent in his energy bill. “Honestly, I wish I’d done this years ago,” he told me. “And I like knowing I’m using less power too.”
If you’re in Ballarat and still using gas or an old electric system, you’re leaving money on the table. The VEU program is designed to make it easier for everyday homeowners to upgrade, save money, and modernise their homes.
Give us a buzz at Ballarat Hot Water Service — we’ll check your eligibility, sort the rebates, and get your new system installed without the headaches.
Let’s keep you warm, save you cash, and future-proof your home the smart way.
