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

Victorian Default Offer price review

We have released our draft ruling on the default price for electricity from 1 January 2020, and are seeking feedback until 17 October.

Electricity and gas compliance and performance reporting guideline review

We have released a draft decision on amending our Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline to ensure that it aligns with new customer entitlements that came into effect on 1 July 2019.

Family violence resources for businesses

We have developed resources to help energy and water businesses implement safe and effective family violence responses.

Strengthening protections for life support customers

We are reviewing our electricity and gas codes to strengthen and clarify protections for life support customers.

Latest News

Media releases

20 September 2019

Independent regulator releases draft decision on default electricity price for 2020

The state’s independent economic regulator has released its draft ruling on the default price for electricity for 2020 with prices set to rise slightly in line with inflation.

If approved, the Essential Service Commission’s draft decision would apply from 1 January 2020.

A man sitting at a table looking over a series of charts

Media releases

13 September 2019

Spotlight on energy retailers to highlight impact of energy reform

Energy retailers are facing more scrutiny from the state’s independent economic regulator to ensure new consumer protections are being rolled out to Victorian households.

Staff articles

09 September 2019

A word from our new Chairperson Kate Symons

Our first female chairperson reflects on the next phase at the Essential Services Commission.

An image of Essential Services Commissioner Kate Symons.

Media releases

06 September 2019

Commission welcomes new chair

The state’s independent economic regulator has welcomed the announcement of a new head with acting chair Kate Symons taking over as full-time commissioner and chair.

A photo showing a young girl pressing a light switch on a wall.

Speeches

27 August 2019

Making the market work better for the customer

Read a speech delivered by Commissioner and Acting Chairperson Kate Symons on 27 August 2019 at our energy forum in Melbourne.

An image of railway tracks in a country landscape running towards a horizon with the sun setting in the background.

Media releases

22 August 2019

Independent regulator boosted by announcement of a new commissioner

The state’s newest essential services commissioner says regulated businesses who do the right thing by customers have nothing to fear, but those who don’t should be ‘on notice’.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Electricity and gas compliance and performance reporting guideline review

We have released a draft decision on amending our Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline to ensure that it aligns with new customer entitlements that came into effect on 1 July 2019. Submissions close 14 October 2019.

Victorian Default Offer price review

We have released a draft ruling on our price determination for the Victorian Default Offer to apply from 1 January 2020, and are seeking feedback until 17 October.