About ESC

The Commission commenced operations on 1 January 2002 as Victoria’s independent economic regulator of prescribed essential utility services supplied by the electricity, gas, ports, grain handling and rail freight industries. In January 2004 the Commission's role was extended to include regulation of Victoria’s water and sewerage services. Since 1 January 2007 the Commission has also been responsible for developing and administering the Victorian Renewable Energy Target Scheme. In 2009, the Commission also assumed administration of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Scheme.

Established by legislation (the Essential Services Commission Act 2001) passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2001, the Commission subsumes the Office of the Regulator-General and its work builds on the regulatory foundation laid by that Office. Utility services such as energy, water supply and transport services are among the most important contributors to the social and economic wellbeing of all Victorians and the Commission will promote the community’s interests by delivering regulatory arrangements for the continuing oversight of Victoria’s essential services sector.