Essential Services Commission

We promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

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Featured work

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Electricity and gas icon

Energy customers protected as retailers pay a record $24.5 million in fines in 2025

Energy retailers paid a record $24,467,958 for breaching Victoria’s consumer protections in 2025, as the state’s essential services regulator continued its crackdown on practices that exacerbate cost of living pressures or negatively affect vulnerable customers.



 

Victorian Energy Upgrades icon

Watchdog denies $16 million in claims for ineligible upgrades

Businesses have been ordered to forfeit $16 million in Victorian energy efficiency certificates and been struck with serious sanctions in 2025, as the Essential Services Commission cracks down on non-compliance in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Installer doing paperwork for VEU program
Victorian Energy Upgrades icon

Victorian energy retailers surrender over 6.5 million certificates to meet 2024 energy efficiency obligations

Victorian energy retailers have surrendered over 6.5 million energy efficiency certificates to meet 2024 energy efficiency obligations. The certificates are valued at over $540 million.

Couple looking stressed at bills
Electricity icon

EnergyAustralia fined over $1 million for giving customers incorrect information about its best energy deals

EnergyAustralia has been penalised $1,066,986 for allegedly giving over 150,000 customers incorrect information about its best energy deal in communications about price changes.

Latest News

Victorian Energy Upgrades icon
Media releases
22 December 2025

Watchdog denies $16 million in claims for ineligible upgrades

Businesses have been ordered to forfeit $16 million in Victorian energy efficiency certificates and been struck with serious sanctions in 2025, as the Essential Services Commission cracks down on non-compliance in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
Photo of a woman's hand turning on light switch
Electricity and gas icon
Media releases
19 December 2025

Energy customers protected as retailers pay a record $24.5 million in fines in 2025

Energy retailers paid a record $24,467,958 for breaching Victoria’s consumer protections in 2025, as the state’s essential services regulator continued its crackdown on practices that exacerbate cost of living pressures or negatively affect vulnerable customers.
A photo showing a person's hand turning on a bathroom tap, and the person's other handing catching watching coming out of the tap.
Water icon
Media releases
18 December 2025

Water performance report shows increase in customers accessing support

The Essential Services Commission’s annual water performance report shows Victorian households continue to face cost of living pressures, with a 23 per cent increase in households accessing state government funded Utility Relief Grants, compared to last year.
A senior man sitting at a table, looking at a bill, using a calculator.
Electricity and gas icon
News update
18 December 2025

Seeking feedback on our ‘Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity’ strategy to improve access to essential services

The Essential Services Commission is seeking feedback on a draft strategy focussed on improving how Victorians experience and access essential services, particularly where existing systems and practices create barriers for consumers.
Industrial lighting
Victorian Energy Upgrades icon
Media releases
12 December 2025

Businesses punished for providing false information, failing to get consent for energy efficient upgrades

The Essential Services Commission has taken action against two Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accredited businesses for allegedly breaching the program rules.
Couple looking at bills together
Local government icon
News update
12 December 2025

Commission provides feedback on guidelines for council rates and hardship support

The Essential Services Commission has provided feedback on the draft ministerial guidelines to help councils manage payment of rates and support residents facing hardship.
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