Essential Services Commission

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

Featured work

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Simply Energy penalty notices

Simply Energy has paid $2.5 million in penalties after alleged breaches of the Energy Retail Code relating to explicit informed consent.

Variation to 2021 Victorian Default Offer

We have released our final decision on the amended Victorian Default Offer 2021 price determination. The variation takes account of changes to network tariffs and will take effect from 1 September 2021.

Accident towing fees review

We are reviewing the fees charged for vehicle towing and storage after an accident within Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.

Average household water bills in Victoria

We have confirmed the prices to apply from 1 July for the state’s 15 water businesses providing urban water and sewerage services.

Latest News

Media releases

26 July 2021

Hundreds caught up in alleged ‘phoney accent’ energy switch

Simply Energy has paid penalties totalling $2.5 million after two external door-to-door sales agents allegedly used phoney accents and fake names to switch hundreds of customers to new energy contracts without their consent.

An image showing a hand flicking a large electricity switch on a blue wall

Media releases

16 July 2021

Increased costs for retailers mean a small rise in default electricity price

Households on the Victorian default offer – the state’s regulated ‘fair price for electricity’ – will see a small increase of around $4 a month from 1 September following a decision by the state regulator.

A photo showing decorative lightbulbs hanging in a row from the ceiling.

Media releases

16 July 2021

Regulator rebuilding trust in energy market by holding companies to account

Victoria’s energy regulator says it is rebuilding trust in the energy market by upholding consumer rights when energy companies fail to follow the rules.

An image showing a small red car being towed behind the back of a tow truck.

Media releases

06 July 2021

Accident towing and storage fees to be reviewed

How much you pay in towing and storage fees after an accident is set to be reviewed by the state’s independent economic regulator.

Screenshot of participants at virtual community sector roundtable on 1 July 2021

Staff articles

05 July 2021

Receiving valuable feedback from consumer groups: community sector roundtable

Representatives from leading community support organisations told the Essential Services Commission that more help is needed from energy retailers for customers experiencing vulnerability.

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Media releases

30 June 2021

Water bills to fall across Victoria in year ahead

Most Victorian households will enjoy a drop in water bills for the year ahead, with bills to fall by $33 on average in Melbourne and $7 in regional Victoria.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Inquiry into Port of Melbourne compliance with the pricing order

We are seeking feedback as part of our first inquiry into the port’s compliance with the pricing order for the review period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021. Submissions close 3 September 2021.

Accident towing fees review

We are reviewing the fees charged for vehicle towing and storage after an accident within Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. We have released a consultation paper for feedback on our approach. Submissions close 6 August 2021.