ESS Government Announcement

Like us, your inbox has undoubtedly been inundated with Covid-19 messaging.  As recent Government and Regulator updates prohibit most upgrades under Stage 4 restrictions, we wanted to advise you directly of how this affects processing and payment for Victorian installations during this period. You should also be following guidance from your local State authorities when carrying out installations during the current crisis.

Open for business

Green Energy Trading and National Carbon Bank of Australia remain fully open for business, either in office or remotely as their location allows.  There will be some restrictions to site visits and inspections in Victoria, and these will continue to be managed with you personally by our Team Members.

Victorian Energy Upgrades

We acknowledge there has been some confusion regarding upgrades carried out during Stage 4 Restrictions under the VEU Program.  We have received clarification from the Essential Services Commission and advise the following:

• No new commercial lighting upgrades may be carried out during the lockdown period (3 August to 13 September 2020) in the stage 4 restricted areas. Upgrades for the purposes of energy efficiency are deemed non-essential and should be delayed until the end of the restriction period unless the installation has commenced and it is dangerous to leave unfinished.

• The ESC has stated that the only eligible upgrades during the stage 4 restriction period are replacement of failed water heating systems and space heating systems in residential premises or permitted worksites.

• For any other upgrades, the ESC recommends you discuss the nature of the upgrade directly (via email: veu@esc.vic.gov.au, copying in admin@ncba.net.au) before carrying out the upgrade. Only upgrades that support an essential service should be undertaken i.e. CL project has commenced and needs to be finished in order to have suitable lighting on the premises.

• Green Energy Trading and National Carbon Bank of Australia will not be accepting claims for installations completed during this period without prior, written approval from the ESC.

  Businesses and Workplaces

• Businesses in metropolitan Melbourne can only carry out on-site operations if they are a Permitted Work Premises and have implemented a COVID Safe plan or a High Risk COVID Safe Plan (in the case of some industries) – as issued by the Chief Health Officer.  Directions for permitted workplaces identified by industry can be found here.

• Classification as a Permitted Work Premises does NOT override the Scheme-specific upgrade bans outlined above.

• If you are a permitted industry, it is the responsibility of employers – accredited providers and their sub-contractors – to follow workplace obligations available from Business Victoria, and ensure that Employees are issued with and carry a worker permit and photo identification when travelling to and from the workplace.

Though we have taken every care to provide the most up to date information, you must be responsible for your own business’s compliance and the legality and eligibility of any works carried out during this time. We are all working under unprecedented circumstances and we understand that further questions may arise when working on your projects. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance.