Pool pumps run for hours every day, and old single-speed models are heavy users. That is why the Essential Services Commission (ESC) has an activity for high-efficiency pool pumps under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU).
How it works
An accredited provider arranges for an eligible pump to replace an existing one. The ESC’s specification sets the product requirements, which pumps appear on the register and what evidence is needed. If the claim meets the rules, VEECs are created, one per tonne of CO2-e abated.
The factors that decide the count:
- The pump. Variable-speed models with strong efficiency ratings generally save more.
- What it replaces. An old single-speed pump gives the biggest saving.
- The assumptions. The method uses assumed operating hours and pool size inputs set by the ESC.
- The date. Product registers and factors update over time.
What the discount looks like
The householder pays less because the provider expects to create and sell the VEECs. As a guide: VEEC count x the provider’s price x the share passed on. VEECs have been roughly $85 to $95 in 2026, so even a modest count translates into a visible discount, but it is indicative and price-dependent. Ask for the final price and the model assumed.
Where electricity savings matter, a variable-speed pump can also cut running costs, although those depend on how the pool is used.
Evidence installers need
- Photos of the old pump, including its label.
- The new pump’s label and serial.
- Proof of installation by the right licensed person.
- Customer details and a signed form that match the provider’s records.
What this means for installers
Small, high-volume jobs like pool pumps reward process more than rate: a consistent photo set, the register checked on the day and a trader that settles quickly. See VEEC trading, pricing and how VEECs work. If you are weighing which activities to focus on, VEEC payment times matter for cash flow too.