Energy efficiency business accused of fraud by Victorian authorities

• The Essential Services Commission has suspended the accreditation of Royal One Pty Ltd following allegations of fraud within the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
• An investigation by a fraud taskforce found that the business submitted digitally altered photographs and falsified customer details to claim certificates for energy efficiency projects.
• The company’s accreditation has since expired without being renewed after the commission identified the deliberate misconduct through data analysis and consumer audits.

p>A Victorian energy efficiency firm, Royal One Pty Ltd, has been hit with a suspension after allegations emerged that it falsified customer records and used doctored photographs to claim government-backed certificates. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) took the action following an investigation by its dedicated fraud taskforce, which uncovered evidence of digitally altered images submitted as proof of completed upgrades.

The business, which marketed itself as a provider of energy-efficient air conditioning, solar panels, and hot water systems, was a participant in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. This state-run scheme is designed to help residents and businesses lower their utility bills by incentivizing the installation of high-efficiency appliances. Under the program, accredited companies earn certificates for their work, which they can then sell to energy retailers for profit.

According to the commission, the suspicious activity was identified through a combination of data analysis and phone audits. When investigators contacted the consumers listed in Royal One’s documentation, they found further evidence of attempted fraud. Shortly after the suspension was handed down, Royal One’s accreditation expired, and the company has not sought to renew it.

Essential Services Commission chairperson Gerard Brody stated that the taskforce uses tip-offs and intelligence to monitor for unusual activity. He noted that the decision to immediately suspend the company was a direct blow to its ability to generate income from the VEU program. “The message is clear — deliberately breaking the rules puts your business at risk,” Mr. Brody said.

This crackdown on industry fraud comes as Victoria’s broader energy strategy remains a point of political contention. While the Labor government has recently signed a $7.6 billion deal for a major powerline project, the Coalition has hardened its stance in opposition to the development. Amid these differing visions for the state’s energy future, regulators remain focused on ensuring current efficiency programs are not exploited.

Royal One has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations and the suspension of its accreditation.

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Original article and photo by "ABC News"