What is the $200 minimum co-payment, and what happens if my cooktop costs less than $320?

Under Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program regulations, consumers must pay a mandatory minimum out-of-pocket contribution of $200 (including GST) for eligible cooktop upgrades. This rule was set by the Victorian Government to ensure scheme integrity and product quality.

Because of this rule, your maximum rebate is determined by the purchase price of your appliance:

• If your cooktop costs $320 or more: You will receive the full $120 Ecovantage rebate, leaving your net out-of-pocket cost at or above the required $200 minimum ($320 − $120 = $200).
• If your cooktop costs less than $320: Your rebate will be capped so that your final out-of-pocket payment remains exactly $200.

Examples of how this works:

• Scenario A ($450 Cooktop):
  Purchase price: $450
  Rebate applied: $120
  Your final payment: $330 (Eligible for full rebate as final payment is over $200)
• Scenario B ($250 Cooktop):
  Purchase price: $250
  Rebate applied: $50 (Rebate capped)
  Your final payment: $200 (Meets the mandatory minimum co-payment)

Proof of your out-of-pocket payment (showing you paid at least $200 after any other discounts, excluding delivery, warranty or other add-ons) must be shown on your tax invoice to validate your claim.