Induction cooktop and lighting rule changes under the VEU
Two changes landed together on 30 June: modifications to the induction cooktops activity (46), and a clarification of which lighting control devices are eligible under activities 27 and 35.
Short post, because these are narrow changes — but if you're quoting either activity, they matter.
Induction cooktops (activity 46)
The activity was modified with matching VEU Registry updates. Induction has been one of the quieter wins in the program: swapping gas cooking for induction removes a combustion source from the kitchen and is usually cheaper to run, and the VEU discount takes a meaningful bite out of the upfront cost.
Worth knowing if you're considering it: the switch usually needs a dedicated circuit, and that's an electrician cost the discount doesn't cover. Get that quoted at the same time so the total isn't a surprise.
Lighting controls (activities 27 and 35)
The update clarifies which combinations of lighting control devices qualify. This is the kind of clarification that exists because the previous wording let two people read it two ways — and eligibility disputes tend to surface after the install, which helps nobody.
If you're a business looking at a lighting upgrade, this is the one to check with your provider before signing, not after.
The general point
The VEU changes constantly — six substantive updates since April this year. That's a feature, not a flaw: activities get added, evidence rules tighten, and the program stays credible.
But it means a quote based on last year's understanding can be wrong, and "my mate got $X" is not a reliable benchmark. Ask whoever quotes you when they last checked the activity guide. Check your eligibility with us — we track these updates because we have to.