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VEECs and Victorian Energy Upgrades deep dive

How do VEU induction cooktop and gas to electric activities work?

Short answer

Victorian Energy Upgrades includes an induction cooktop activity, and electrification upgrades such as heat pump hot water or reverse-cycle heating can replace gas appliances. VEECs are created per the ESC's rules and the provider passes value on as a discount. Check current requirements for each activity.

Written and checked by the Energy Merchants desk · Reviewed 3 October 2026 · For installers and homeowners

Two search phrases sit together here because they describe the same direction of travel: homes moving off gas and onto electric appliances. Under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU), the incentive comes through specific activities, not one conversion scheme.

The induction cooktop activity

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has an induction cooktop activity, which received updated requirements in 2026. An accredited provider arranges for an eligible induction cooktop to replace an existing cooking appliance, often gas. The product has to meet the registration requirements, and the evidence has to show what was replaced and what was installed. VEECs are then created per the method.

Gas to electric conversion in practice

A full conversion usually means several jobs:

Gas appliance Electric replacement VEU route
Gas hot water Heat pump water heater Water heating activity; see heat pump VEECs
Gas ducted or wall heater Reverse-cycle air conditioner Space heating and cooling; see the activity
Gas cooktop Induction cooktop Induction cooktop activity

Each has separate eligibility, evidence and certificate counts. There may also be electrical upgrades, gas disconnection and plumbing work, which are paid for separately.

How the discount is worked out

For each activity the provider estimates VEECs, multiplies by the price it expects, and passes some on. With VEECs at roughly $85 to $95 in 2026 and prices moving daily, the figure is indicative, not a fixed rebate. Compare quotes on total price and ask what the discount assumes.

What to check

  1. The product is on the ESC register for the activity on the install date.
  2. The replaced appliance is documented.
  3. Licensed work is done by licensed people: gas fitters, plumbers, electricians as applicable.
  4. The customer has signed and the details match.
From the desk: if the customer is disconnecting gas, get the disconnection paperwork into the job file. It is part of the story the evidence tells.

What this means for installers

Electrification jobs bundle several certificates and several rule sets, so errors multiply. A trader that checks each claim, and states plainly what it pays for each, saves time. See VEEC trading, pricing and the guide to VEECs and STCs on the same job. Background: how VEECs work.

Follow-up questions

People also ask

How much is the VEU discount for an induction cooktop?
It depends on the model, what is replaced and the VEEC price, roughly $85 to $95 in 2026. The count comes from the ESC's method.
Is there one gas to electric conversion activity?
Not as a single activity. Conversion usually happens through activities such as water heating, space heating and cooking, each with its own rules.

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