Victoria
Victorian Energy Efficiency Business Accused of Certificate Fraud
The Essential Services Commission alleges the business submitted altered photographs and falsified customer records to claim valuable energy certificates.
The Victorian Essential Services Commission has accused an energy efficiency business of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to claim energy efficiency certificates.
According to a wire report, the state energy regulator alleges that the company systematically submitted digitally altered photographs and fabricated customer details to secure the certificates, which hold financial value under Victoria's energy savings initiatives.
Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, accredited businesses can claim certificates for installing energy efficient products, such as LED lighting or efficient hot water systems. These certificates can then be sold to energy retailers, who are required by law to meet annual emissions reduction targets.
The regulator alleges the unnamed business manipulated evidence of installations to make it appear as though eligible upgrades had occurred when they had not. By using altered photos and falsifying customer information, the business was allegedly able to claim benefits to which it was not entitled.
A number of details surrounding the allegations remain unconfirmed. The Essential Services Commission has not yet publicly named the business involved, nor has it disclosed the total volume or financial value of the certificates suspected to be fraudulent. It is also unclear whether criminal charges have been laid, or if the regulator is pursuing civil penalties and the suspension of the company's accreditation.
The commission has previously warned that it maintains a strict compliance regime to protect the integrity of the state's energy upgrade scheme, which aims to reduce power bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Observers will be watching to see if the regulator releases the identity of the accused business and details any formal enforcement actions or financial penalties.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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