Here ESC means the Essential Services Commission, the Victorian regulator that runs the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. It is not the NSW “ESC”, which is the Energy Savings Certificate. The ESC accredits providers, manages the certificate registry and audits activities.
What audits look at
Audits test whether the certificates should have been created. In practice they ask:
- Product. Was it on the ESC’s approved product list for the activity at the time? Does the model and serial match?
- Installation. Was it carried out to the activity’s requirements and by someone qualified, such as a licensed plumber or electrician where needed?
- Customer. Was there a valid acknowledgement from the customer, with the right address, date and signature?
- Replacement. Where an activity involves replacing an old system, was the old unit what the claim said, and was it removed?
- Records. Are the photos, invoices, forms and test records on file and consistent?
- Discount. Did the customer actually receive the benefit the certificate represents?
The ESC can inspect sites, ask for records, and speak to customers. Details of its methods are on its website, so check the current requirements for your activity.
Who carries the risk
The accredited person that creates VEECs is responsible for them. If a job fails an audit, the certificates can be affected, and the provider can face further action. Providers therefore want clear paperwork from installers and some pass the cost of a failed job back. Read how your contract treats a failed audit. For the federal equivalent see how STC audits work.
Why audits find problems
- Product substitutions between quote and install.
- Photos and serials that do not match the claim.
- Missing or backdated customer paperwork.
- Replacement details that are vague.
- Dates that disagree between invoice, install and claim.
How to prepare
- Keep one job folder: invoice, acknowledgement, photos with serial, compliance certificates and the old system details.
- Check the product against the current approved list on the install date.
- Match names, addresses and dates across every document.
- Keep records as long as the ESC requires.
- Ask your provider what its audit process is and who contacts the customer.
What this means for installers
Audit readiness is a habit, not a response. Doing the same checks on every job costs minutes and protects the money. If you also claim STCs, the two schemes audit separately, so a mismatch in one pack can surface twice. See who accredited providers are, the VEEC pillar, VEEC trading and pricing.