For the latest information on the state of emergency in Victoria due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Department of Health and Human Services website. For the latest on business restrictions go to the Business Victoria website or call the hotline on 13 22 15.

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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Regulating with consumer vulnerability in mind

We are developing a consumer vulnerability strategy to ensure we consider the voices of consumers experiencing vulnerability in our regulation.

Supporting energy customers through the coronavirus pandemic

We have brought in rule changes to support residential and small business customers in managing their energy bills through the pandemic.

Improving the timeliness of electricity connections

We have released a decision paper that requires distribution businesses to set new standards for connecting power to greenfield residential developments.

Victorian Default Offer price review

We have made a draft decision on the Victorian Default Offer to apply from 1 January 2021. Have your say until 20 October 2020.

Latest News

Media releases

30 October 2020

New guidance for energy companies to ensure struggling energy customers are supported

The Victorian energy regulator has issued new guidance to ensure households and small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic are protected as required by the state’s energy rules.

Staff articles

22 October 2020

Once restrictions lift, challenges will still remain: community sector roundtable

Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups are concerned that inconsistent outcomes and ongoing challenges will remain once restrictions have lifted.

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Media releases

20 October 2020

Water businesses delivering for customers in a challenging year

A new report shows Victoria’s water businesses have largely delivered on their promises to customers over the past year, despite facing challenges from the summer bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic.

Media releases

14 October 2020

Inquiry recommends changes to Port of Melbourne rent negotiations

Victorian consumers could be worse off due to an uneven relationship between the Port of Melbourne and its tenants when negotiating rents, a report into the Port of Melbourne’s approach to setting rents has found.

Media releases

14 October 2020

More customers seeking support in paying water bills

The number of water customers on hardship programs in metropolitan Melbourne grew by more than five per cent in September, according to the latest data collected by the state regulator.

Media releases

14 October 2020

New greenfield electricity connection standards to support new investment

Energy distributors will be required to set new standards for connecting power to greenfield residential developments under changes aimed at improving efficiency and timeliness.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations