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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Telstra Energy application for electricity and gas retail licences

Telstra Energy has applied for a licence to sell electricity and a licence to sell gas. Consultation on the application is open until 1 July 2021.

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Local council outcomes report

We have released a report on the outcomes of rate capping in Victoria, identifying impacts and trends emerging across the local government sector.

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Victorian Default Offer price review

We are reviewing the Victorian Default Offer prices to apply from 1 January 2022 for customers on electricity standing offers.

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Regulating with consumer vulnerability in mind

We have released a draft strategy to help coordinate our approach to breaking down the barriers to essential services consumers can experience.

Latest News

Screenshot showing participants attending the Essential Services Commission's virtual Energy Industry Roundtable via Zoom on 10 June 2021.
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Staff articles
11 June 2021

Recovery ‘leaves some behind’ as energy debt and disconnections increase

Energy businesses say short term household debt has increased following the winding back of pandemic-related government financial support, but say they’re committed to helping customers stay connected. 
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Media releases
10 June 2021

Regulator starts inquiry into port pricing

Victoria's economic regulator has commenced an inquiry into the Port of Melbourne’s compliance with Victorian Government requirements for how it set prices for services over the past five years.
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Media releases
03 June 2021

Interest payable on late water bills set to fall

The state’s independent water regulator has reduced the maximum interest water businesses can charge customers who don’t pay bills on time, from 3.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

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Media releases
01 June 2021

Pandemic impact on customers shows in latest water data

The past 12 months of economic challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has seen the number of Victorian customers in hardship programs steadily increasing, with metropolitan Melbourne hit the hardest.
Kate Symons speaking at Energy retailer debt collection forum
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Staff articles
27 May 2021

Threatening disconnection ‘not a debt collection strategy’

More than 100 representatives from 31 energy retailers have been told threatening struggling customers with disconnection as a debt collection strategy would not be considered ‘best practice’.
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Media releases
24 May 2021

Electricians to be referred to police for alleged attempt to defraud energy efficiency scheme

A case involving an alleged attempt to defraud Australia’s biggest energy efficiency certificate scheme will be referred to police by Victoria’s Essential Services Commission.
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Featured consultations

View all current consultations
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Telstra Energy – application for electricity and gas retail licences

Telstra Energy has applied for a licence to sell electricity and a licence to sell gas. We are inviting feedback on the licence application until 1 July 2021.

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Victorian Default Offer price review 2022

We are reviewing the Victorian Default Offer prices to apply from 1 January 2022 for customers on electricity standing offers. Submissions close 16 June 2021.

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Regulating with consumer vulnerability in mind

We have released a draft strategy to help coordinate our approach to breaking down the barriers to essential services consumers can experience. Consultation closes 20 June 2021.