Published

8 months ago

April 7, 2025

Alice Rush

Electric vehicles are a winning strategy to increase affordability, lower total costs, and make our communities healthier and stronger. Even if you’re not an EV owner or aren’t currently interested in purchasing a new or used EV as your next vehicle, there are many reasons to support American leadership in the industry.

Electric vehicles reduce pollution—both air pollution that harms our health and makes us and our kids sick and climate pollutants that are making devastating weather events more common. No tailpipes means zero local air pollutants. Electric vehicles, which are highly energy efficient, mean less carbon and reduced climate pollutants, regardless of how the electricity to power them is sourced.
Electric vehicles offer an overall more affordable vehicle option. The lifetime cost of owning a battery electric vehicle is often cheaper than that of an internal combustion vehicle because of lower fuel and maintenance costs, even though the upfront cost is higher.

Tax credits make it easier and more affordable to purchase an EV, make it safer and more reliable to rely on EVs, and increase easy access to charging.

At a Glance

Electric transportation reduces pollution and makes our communities healthier.
Americans deserve the freedom to drive affordable electric cars. Tax credits support that.
Vehicle tax credits support consumers and businesses purchasing EVs and charging equipment. Charging tax credits expand the infrastructure we need to safely and confidently rely on this clean technology. Manufacturing tax credits are creating opportunities for domestic production and bringing back American jobs.
Any action to cancel the tax credits will reduce freedom of choice and accessibility.

Chart by Meeting Street Insights and Hart Research for Centerline Liberties + CEN + ZETA.

Electric Transportation Reduces Pollution and Makes Our Communities Healthier

Air pollution released by tailpipes from our gas and diesel vehicles is a significant source of the pollution we breathe and directly leads to health risks like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight, and cancer. Driving electric transit and school buses, cars and trucks, which are pollution-free, help reduce toxic fumes from tailpipes, clean up our air, and improve our quality of life. Additionally, pollution from tailpipes is causing our planet to overheat, contributing to climate change and extreme weather. EVs can clean our air and protect communities from the impacts of climate pollution.

Electric School Buses Are Safer for Our Kids Diesel currently powers more than 90% of school buses in the US, and its exhaust is linked to serious physical health and cognitive development issues for students. On the other hand, electric school buses have no tailpipe at all. Electrifying the full U.S. school bus fleet by 2030 would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9 million metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 2 million cars off the roads.

Electric vehicle tax credits and charging station credits are making it less expensive for school districts to purchase electric school buses and install the charging infrastructure to support them. These tax credits are helping to add more pollution-free buses to our roads and clean up the air in the communities they drive through, creating stronger, healthier communities.

Americans Deserve the Right to Choose the Car They Want to Drive

Electric vehicle and charging infrastructure tax credits give Americans the freedom to drive the vehicle they choose. Electric vehicles already have lower total costs, and tax credits decrease manufacturing costs, upfront costs, and charging barriers to purchasing or leasing EVs. Expanded accessibility to electric vehicles and charging stations increases Americans’ choices to drive the vehicle type of their choosing. Americans should be able to afford electric vehicles.

Vehicle tax credits lower the cost at the point of sale for new and used EVs or make leasing more affordable, expanding choice and accessibility for American consumers. Government and private incentives have already lowered prices, but we need to keep investing to make them cheaper for everyday Americans. Federal tax credits address both of these concerns.

Charging infrastructure tax credits are critical to increasing access to charging and incentivizing private capital to build more stations. The most common barriers to EV purchase are cost and lack of charging stations. Currently, the Southeast lacks access to charging stations compared to the national average, 0.40 vs 0.52 charging stations per 1,000 people. This lack of accessible charging keeps consumers from having the confidence to purchase and drive electric. We created the national highway system to ensure Americans the freedom to travel reliably between various areas of our country. In the same way, charging station tax credits help make charging stations more accessible everywhere, giving Americans the freedom to drive EVs longer distances to different places.

Commercial EV tax credits (45W) allow increased affordability for businesses and tax-exempt and often cash-strapped entities (like your local government or school district) to lower upfront premiums and transition their fleets to electric. One key feature of the Commercial EV tax credit is a new financing mechanism, called “direct pay”, that enables eligible tax-exempt entities, like governments and non-profit organizations, to access tax credits. These credits often lower the total cost of owning and operating an electric fleet than a gas fleet, thereby reducing the burden on local taxpayers. For example, if a city wants to purchase an electric vehicle, but they don’t have the extra upfront capital compared to the cost of a comparable gas vehicle, this tax credit will help lower that premium, and over the lifetime, the city will benefit – at a value more than that of the tax credit – in lower fuel and maintenance costs. This is a common-sense solution to reducing government transportation spending. Tax credits are a temporary solution, and we will not need them forever: as the upfront costs of EVs come down in coming years, this offset will become unnecessary. But they are critical right now, while the industry is still growing, to sustain momentum.

Federal Tax Credits Support American Manufacturing and Jobs. The past several decades have seen automotive manufacturing move overseas. By investing in electric vehicle manufacturing, new jobs are created in surprising places. Did you know that Georgia leads the nation in EV and battery jobs? The rapid success of the federal electric vehicle tax credits is a result of two economic levers working together to support this industry growth. One is the supply-side tax credits, and the second is the demand-side electric vehicle tax credits, which work in tandem to bring manufacturing back to American communities and jobs back to American families.

Supply-side manufacturing tax credits offer manufacturers incentives to build their factories here and hire American workers. And they’re working. In the past two years, several factories have begun construction, and we’re seeing 12 percent annual job growth in the EV sector in our region. An anticipated 73,000 jobs will support every facet of the EV supply chain: battery manufacturing, vehicle manufacturing, and charging equipment. The Southeast is benefiting in an outsized way. 31 percent of the total national EV manufacturing jobs are concentrated in the Southeast. Did you know that two American manufacturers, Bluebird and Thomas Built, are building electric school buses in Georgia and North Carolina, respectively?
Demand-side manufacturing tax credits help make it easier for American consumers to say yes to electric vehicles made in the USA. Electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 42% in the Southeast from July 2023 to June 2024, and the price is coming down thanks to advances in battery technology and economies of scale. If more Americans are buying EVs, manufacturers will make EVs in higher numbers, thus creating stability for American workers building the cars in the Southeast. It’s a positive feedback loop that is making American families more prosperous. Let’s keep it going!

The Case for Keeping the EV Tax Credits

Electric vehicles are a winning strategy to increase affordability, lower total costs, and make our communities healthier and stronger. Getting more clean vehicles on the road is a big step toward cleaning up our air and ensuring healthier communities. Electric vehicle and charging infrastructure tax credits give Americans the freedom to drive the vehicle they choose. Electric vehicles already have lower total costs, and tax credits decrease upfront costs and charging barriers to purchasing or leasing EVs. Tax credits also support American manufacturing leadership in the industry. We should support continuing these tax credits. Any action by Congress to cancel the tax credits will reduce freedom of choice and accessibility.

Resources

UNDERSTANDING EV TAX CREDITS AND HOW TO CLAIM THEM FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Find the Right EV and Maximize Your Tax Credits: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CONSUMERS

Plug in America’s Resources on EV Tax Credits

IRS Website on EV and Charging Station Tax Credits

Clean Vehicle Manufacturing Credit

The post Federal EV Tax Credits Make Our Communities Healthier & Stronger appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Federal EV Tax Credits Make Our Communities Healthier & Stronger

Renewable Energy

Before Trump, “Contempt of Court” Used to Be a Big Deal

Published

18 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.

Before Trump, “Contempt of Court” Used to Be a Big Deal

Renewable Energy

How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade?

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.

However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.

But what are the main issues?

Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.

That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!

By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.

This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.

So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.

In this blog post:

Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!

From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.

Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.

Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:

In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs.
The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options.
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.

Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path

It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.

So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:

Choosing the right system

For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:

One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units

One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and

One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.

Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.

However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.

Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater

As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.

This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.

Installation Process & Timing Period

Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.

The quote needs to be accepted and dated.

Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance.

The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping.

The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.

The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.

Choosing efficiency over just cooling

Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.

Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.

At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:

“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”

Out-of-pocket and rebate

Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.

In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.

The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.

So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.

How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.

Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.

So, to qualify under the VEU program:

The property must be more than two years old.
The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.

How the Rebate Works

In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.

After installation:

The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.

The homeowner simply has to:

Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.

The Result

The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.

Why is the VEU rebate significant?

Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:

On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.

Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.

Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.

Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!

Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.

Before Adding Air Conditioning System

Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620.
In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300.
Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920

After Adding the Air Conditioning System

Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.

Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.

In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180.
So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.

Net Savings

Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.

At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.

However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.

This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.

Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program

Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.

Don’t wait until your system dies.

Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.

Choose a provider who handles the rebates.

Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.

Understand the actual savings potential.

It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.

Ensure proper sizing and zone control.

As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.

Factor in non-energy benefits.

Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.

Check the accreditation and compliance.

With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.

So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.

Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.

This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.

Monitor your bills after installation.

Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.

Be realistic about pay-back

Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).

However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.

Final Notes

This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.

This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.

The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.

This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:

Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.

So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!

Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.

How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade?

Renewable Energy

Air Power

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Alice Rush

About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.

“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.

Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.

If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.