The Victorian government has expanded the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to offer upfront discounts on ceiling insulation, helping households save more than AU$400 annually on power bills.
Under the expanded program, Victorians can access discounts covering up to half the installation cost, capped at AU$1,500 for metropolitan Melbourne households and AU$2,100 for regional residents. For an average Melbourne home, installation costs typically sit around AU$3,000 prior to applying the subsidy.
The state government estimates that roughly 60 per cent of Victorian residences currently have little to no ceiling insulation, forcing households to pay significantly more to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in winter and summer.
Following an initial rollout across public and community housing in April 2026, the scheme is now available statewide to all households. The government has established strict safety guidelines developed alongside industry, business groups, and trade unions.
All installations must be completed by accredited providers using technicians certified by the Energy Efficiency Council. Installers are required to undergo mandatory electrical safety and competency assessments prior to commencing work, supported by fully subsidised training initiatives.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes noted the environmental and financial benefits of the policy.
“We’re cutting up to half the cost of ceiling insulation – helping families stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer and save more than $400 a year,” Symes said.
“Insulation is a simple upgrade that can make a big difference to your power bill, and we’ve worked with unions and industry to make sure it’s done safely.”
More than 2.4 million households and 180,000 businesses have already accessed savings through the broader VEU program. The government has extended the program to 2045.
