Custom upgrades

Project-based activities are those where the incentive that can be claimed is specific to a given project. The program currently offers incentives for the Measurement and Verification (M&V) method.

The M&V method is a project-based activity where energy savings are calculated by comparing a baseline energy model with energy use after the upgrade. It allows businesses to claim incentives by calculating the energy saved from a specific upgrade or range of upgrades using industry-standard M&V techniques.

The majority of other methods used for calculating incentives for a given upgrade are estimated on average values for all activities across Victoria. However, some situations need a more customised approach, and that's where M&V is a good approach.

It is likely to be most appropriate for larger-scale upgrades because the process is relatively complex and therefore involves a greater cost of participation. The types of projects that might be carried out using the method include industrial and commercial refrigeration and boilers, upgrades to energy-intensive facilities such as hospitals, manufacturers, and data centres, and switching to low-emission fuels.

You may be eligible to access incentives for your energy upgrade project if:

• your site is non-residential, or your project relates only to the central services of a multi-unit residential building
• your project will result in lower greenhouse gas emissions

Talk to an accredited provider to find out whether M&V will suit your project. You can either work with an existing accredited provider or become accredited yourself to access incentives. In either case, it is important to talk to your M&V specialist early and before your upgrade has been carried out.

If you are interested in becoming accredited yourself, please refer to the Essential Services Commission's website for further details.