Businesses are baffled after receiving DOZENS of new fridges they didn't order
- Replies 1
As a result of appliance installers figuring out how to scam a government program for carbon credits, an absurd number of fridges are being dumped on the doorsteps of Victorian businesses.
The Victorian Energy Upgrade program was introduced last month with the intention of incentivising companies to swap out inefficient appliances for newer, more energy-efficient models.
Installers who set up the appliances in residences and commercial establishments would be given ‘carbon credits’, which could be sold to electricity retailers who are obligated by law to demonstrate that they are attempting to reduce emissions.
However, installers found the sale of carbon credits to be so lucrative that they started giving away unwanted refrigerators to businesses all over the state.
Now, frustrated owners of businesses such as supermarkets, wineries, and even salad bars have received dozens of free refrigerators they didn't order or pay for.
They have reported that dozens of refrigerators have been dumped outside their establishments, and some of them have also complained about being harassed by contractors via phone and email.
Business owners have complained that they have too many refrigerators. Credit: 3AW.
In a radio interview, Brandon La Manna, owner of the grocery store chain La Manna and Sons, mentioned that up to forty refrigerators had already been delivered to his four establishments, with more on the way.
He is concerned that if more refrigerators are delivered, they will end up in landfills, so he intends to donate them to charity instead.
"To our knowledge, the big energy companies are doing a carbon offset by giving these fridges to people to meet the offset," he said.
In spite of the fact that it "didn't make much sense at all," Mr La Manna admitted that he and his family had taken the refrigerators because they needed them and because they were free.
The Payten and Jones Winery's owner, Ben Payten, also received several refrigerators. Following the receipt of an email, he initially expressed interest in the opportunity, and within a span of just three weeks, eleven refrigerators were delivered to his winery.
"A couple of fridges turned up, then they just kept turning up," said Mr Payten. "We've put about four of them to use, the other ones are just sitting there, and we're trying to figure out what to do with them."
He also admitted that he had kept the appliances hidden out of fear that the government would demand them back in a "massive stuff up." Each commercial refrigerator, according to his estimate, would cost about $1,000.
Contractors can make money on carbon credits by delivering appliances. Credit: News.com.au.
In response to the oversight, Victoria's Essential Services Commission has already suspended carbon credits for companies that install energy-efficient appliances.
Company officials issued a statement last week saying they were aware of the problem and warning that the behaviour was totally unacceptable.
"We are aware of instances of large numbers of refrigerated cabinets being dumped on the street or provided to customers who don't want them," they said. "Businesses accredited under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program have been warned that we will not tolerate such behaviour."
"We will not be progressing the registration of Victorian energy efficiency certificates for multiple installations of refrigerated cabinets while we investigate this behaviour as an urgent priority."
Matthew Guy, the leader of the opposition, stated that the state government was to blame for the mess because it had 'failed to manage' the energy initiative.
"How the hell could you get to a situation where cafes have been given 40 fridges – it's ridiculous," he said. "The taxpayer is footing the bill for it, no wonder the state's economy is in crisis."
What are your thoughts, folks?
The Victorian Energy Upgrade program was introduced last month with the intention of incentivising companies to swap out inefficient appliances for newer, more energy-efficient models.
Installers who set up the appliances in residences and commercial establishments would be given ‘carbon credits’, which could be sold to electricity retailers who are obligated by law to demonstrate that they are attempting to reduce emissions.
However, installers found the sale of carbon credits to be so lucrative that they started giving away unwanted refrigerators to businesses all over the state.
Now, frustrated owners of businesses such as supermarkets, wineries, and even salad bars have received dozens of free refrigerators they didn't order or pay for.
They have reported that dozens of refrigerators have been dumped outside their establishments, and some of them have also complained about being harassed by contractors via phone and email.
Business owners have complained that they have too many refrigerators. Credit: 3AW.
In a radio interview, Brandon La Manna, owner of the grocery store chain La Manna and Sons, mentioned that up to forty refrigerators had already been delivered to his four establishments, with more on the way.
He is concerned that if more refrigerators are delivered, they will end up in landfills, so he intends to donate them to charity instead.
"To our knowledge, the big energy companies are doing a carbon offset by giving these fridges to people to meet the offset," he said.
In spite of the fact that it "didn't make much sense at all," Mr La Manna admitted that he and his family had taken the refrigerators because they needed them and because they were free.
The Payten and Jones Winery's owner, Ben Payten, also received several refrigerators. Following the receipt of an email, he initially expressed interest in the opportunity, and within a span of just three weeks, eleven refrigerators were delivered to his winery.
"A couple of fridges turned up, then they just kept turning up," said Mr Payten. "We've put about four of them to use, the other ones are just sitting there, and we're trying to figure out what to do with them."
He also admitted that he had kept the appliances hidden out of fear that the government would demand them back in a "massive stuff up." Each commercial refrigerator, according to his estimate, would cost about $1,000.
Contractors can make money on carbon credits by delivering appliances. Credit: News.com.au.
In response to the oversight, Victoria's Essential Services Commission has already suspended carbon credits for companies that install energy-efficient appliances.
Company officials issued a statement last week saying they were aware of the problem and warning that the behaviour was totally unacceptable.
"We are aware of instances of large numbers of refrigerated cabinets being dumped on the street or provided to customers who don't want them," they said. "Businesses accredited under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program have been warned that we will not tolerate such behaviour."
"We will not be progressing the registration of Victorian energy efficiency certificates for multiple installations of refrigerated cabinets while we investigate this behaviour as an urgent priority."
Matthew Guy, the leader of the opposition, stated that the state government was to blame for the mess because it had 'failed to manage' the energy initiative.
"How the hell could you get to a situation where cafes have been given 40 fridges – it's ridiculous," he said. "The taxpayer is footing the bill for it, no wonder the state's economy is in crisis."
What are your thoughts, folks?
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