VEU auditors

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act 2007 (VEET Act) requires the following audits to ensure that those operating under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program are complying with program requirements: 

• Compliance and assurance audits: accredited persons are required to undergo an independent assurance audit at least once every two years. They may also be subject to compliance audits in certain circumstances, which may be conducted by the commission or an independent auditor. 
• Annual energy acquisition statement audits: energy retailers (relevant entities) are required to have their annual acquisition statements audited prior to submission to the commission. 

To conduct audits under the VEU program, auditors must apply and meet the relevant requirements for each audit. 

Guidance for approved auditors about VEU audits 

Assurance audits 

Accredited persons in the VEU program are required to undertake an assurance audit at least every two years. Accredited persons must appoint an independent auditor on the 'List of independent auditors - compliance and assurance audits' on the VEU Audits page to conduct their assurance audit and cover the costs associated with the audit. 

The commission may require an assurance audit of the reliability, accuracy and completeness of matters specified by the commission. Accredited persons are issued with a notice requiring an assurance audit that outlines the matters that will need to be covered by the audit, audit report submission due date and other requirements. 

Compliance audits 

The commission may require a compliance audit where it has reasonable grounds to suspect that an accredited person has contravened a provision of the VEET Act or regulations made under it. A compliance audit may be carried out by the commission, or the commission may require the accredited person to appoint an independent auditor from the 'List of independent auditors - compliance and assurance audits' on the VEU Audits page to undertake the compliance audit. 

Annual energy acquisition statement audits 

Energy retailers with scheme acquisitions (relevant entities) must prepare an annual energy acquisition statement using the designated form published by the commission on its website. The annual energy acquisition statement must be audited by an auditor on the 'Approved auditor list - annual energy acquisition statement audits' on the VEU Audits page prior to submission to the commission. 

Apply to become a VEU auditor 

Suitably qualified and experienced auditors can apply to join our lists of auditors that can conduct VEU audits. There are different requirements for the different types of audits, which are outlined in the 'VEU Auditor panel application form' on this page. 

Auditor eligibility requirements 

When assessing an application, the commission must determine that the applicant has the relevant skills, competencies and qualifications to conduct assurance audits or compliance audits in accordance with the VEET Act. The applicant must also undertake training or have the relevant knowledge or experience with the VEU program. 

More details in relation to the audit processes and the requirements on the auditors can be found in Sections 15 and 16 of the 'Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Guidelines' (VEET Guidelines) via the link on this page. It is expected that auditors are familiar with and comply with the details of the VEET Guidelines. 

Applicants will also need to view and understand the following training materials as part of their application:

• Presentation slides: VEU Audit – An expanded program for both new and existing auditors.
• Webinar (part one): VEU Audits - an expanded program for both new and existing auditors.
• Webinar (part two): VEU Audits - an expanded program for both new and existing auditors. 

How to apply 

To apply to become a VEU auditor, please complete the 'VEU Auditor panel application form' on this page and submit the completed form with the specified supporting documentation to veuaudits@esc.vic.gov.au.