Over the past few years, the U.S. government has made historic investments into the fight against climate change. Hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits for clean energy made available in the Inflation Reduction act (IRA) are cultivating billions of dollars of private investment in the Southeast. This unprecedented federal action has increased the number of good-paying clean energy jobs in our country and especially here in our region, and the number of jobs created is projected to skyrocket over the next decade. Greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors are expected to fall substantially due to electrification and simultaneous decarbonization of our electric grid, and Americans in every corner of the country are gaining access to lower-cost clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades that bring down electricity bills.
But Project 2025, a policy guide published by the Heritage Foundation and written for the next conservative president to follow, threatens this progress and would ensure a future where our health, our safety, and our environment suffer.
The policies prescribed by the Project 2025 plan require a sweeping reconstruction of the federal government and repeal of the transformational laws and rules that have set our nation on a greener path. The IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are the most significant policy packages to ever address the climate crisis. The authors of Project 2025 call on the next conservative administration to support repeal of both of these monumental laws.
Job Loss
Project 2025 could spell an end to many of the new clean energy jobs that have supported communities who need them the most. Over 270,000 new good-paying and union clean energy jobs have been created since August 2022 when the IRA passed, another 1.5 million potential new jobs are projected over the next decade if we continue on the path we are on. Families have come to rely on this growing industry to support themselves and communities are experiencing renewal due to the economic growth that accompanies clean energy projects. But, according to new research conducted by Energy Innovation, if Project 2025 is implemented there would be 1.7 million jobs lost in 2030 alone and 260,000 jobs lost in 2050. Right now our future includes opportunities for all of us to support and benefit from a cleaner economy. Project 2025 would send us backwards.
Source: Energy Innovation’s The Second Half Of The Decisive Decade: Potential U.S. Pathways On Climate, Jobs, And Health
Energy Efficient Homes
Hardworking families have gained the freedom to make their homes healthier and more affordable through energy savings made possible by the current administration. Due to tax credits and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund programs, energy efficient upgrades are more affordable and residential clean energy is far more attainable than it was before. In our region alone, around 560,000 households received more than $1.3 billion in residential clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits in tax year 2023.
The agenda laid out in Project 2025 takes away programs that are relieving people of the burden of worrying if keeping their homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter will cost them more than they can handle. If Project 2025 is implemented, low-income families may have a harder time finding the resources and funds to make bill lowering energy efficient upgrades to their homes due to the elimination of the Department of Energy office that oversees the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the historic home energy rebate programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The plan also includes a proposal to eliminate energy efficiency standards for appliances set by the Department of Energy that currently save households $100 per year on average in lower utility bills. Reducing a household’s energy burden puts money back in pockets, and helps avoid choices between the electricity bill and groceries.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Together, the IRA, BIL, CHIPS and Science Act, and updated rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are making vehicles, power plants, and homes cleaner. These laws have bolstered private investment into utility-scale renewable energy and have created funding for greener infrastructure. The emissions reduction as a result of these policies will bring the U.S. closer to meeting our Paris Agreement goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 52% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; ultimately providing us and our children with safer air to breathe.
Ensuring clean air for future generations is not one of the policies listed in Project 2025. In fact, federal decisions guided by Project 2025 would lead to the repeal of these policy packages; an increase in oil drilling operations in the Gulf and the Atlantic; and a harmful prioritization of fossil gas. Project 2025 puts the U.S. on track to emit greenhouse gases far above what was projected before any of the new climate policies and standards were put in place.
Climate & Natural Disasters
As the climate warms, once-in-a-generation storms and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, and the damage to our communities is increasing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has documented a steady increase in the number of billion-dollar disasters as the climate has warmed, along with deaths as a result of the disasters and heftier price tags. Government tools and services are critical for keeping us informed, safe, and protected. They help us prepare for extreme weather and the process of rebuilding afterward.
Project 2025 calls for the elimination of critical federal programs that would leave us more vulnerable to extreme weather and disasters. For example, it asks the next administration to eliminate NOAA, which includes the National Hurricane Center–a critical source of information for Southeastern communities and residents when hurricanes approach. Privatizing the National Flood Insurance Program, the only source of flood insurance for many Southeast residents for whom private insurance is not available, is also part of the plan. These changes could be catastrophic and financially ruinous for millions of Southeastern residents.
If Project 2025 is carried out, the next conservative administration would take a sledgehammer to the policies and programs that help us make progress on addressing climate change. This would make it impossible to achieve a cleaner economy, endanger public health, and leave us more vulnerable to extreme weather. It’s important that we keep a watchful eye on our elected officials and work to ensure that this dangerous and unpopular public policy agenda is not enacted.
The post How Project 2025 Would Upend the Fight Against Climate Change appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
How Project 2025 Would Upend the Fight Against Climate Change
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.
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.
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.
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.
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