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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Family violence resources for businesses

Our family violence better practice guide helps businesses to implement safe and effective family violence responses, and highlights innovative, cross-sector industry examples that may go beyond the minimum requirements of our energy and water codes.

Electricity Distribution Code review

We have released an issues paper as part of our work to ensure that the distribution of electricity in Victoria continues to be undertaken in a safe, efficient and reliable manner.

Strengthening protections for life support customers

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

Minimum feed-in tariff

New rates for the minimum feed-in tariffs your energy company pays you for power you export to the grid (via sources including solar panels) have taken effect.

Latest News

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Speeches

21 August 2019

Using regulation to support Victorians affected by family violence

Read a speech by Commissioner and Acting Chairperson Kate Symons on how the Essential Services Commission is working to support Victorian consumers affected by family violence.

Media releases

20 August 2019

Family violence survivors getting more support from utilities in wake of royal commission

A new report has found customers experiencing family violence are getting more support from water businesses after customer protections were strengthened by the state’s independent economic regulator.

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Media releases

15 August 2019

Strengthening protections for Victorians on life support

Victorian energy consumers on life support will be better protected under changes proposed by the Essential Services Commission.

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Media releases

13 August 2019

Grid standards and customer protection key issues of electricity distribution code review

Electricity grid standards and customer payments for power outages are among the issues we are considered in reviewing the electricity distribution rules.

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Media releases

08 August 2019

Regulator to target energy businesses that don’t play by the rules

In 2019-20, we will audit energy businesses to see whether they are complying with new rules designed to help Victorians get a better deal.

Speeches

23 July 2019

Our energy priorities for the 2019-20 financial year

Read a speech by our energy director Sarah McDowell, setting out our priorities in the energy sector for the year ahead.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Electricity Distribution Code review

We have released an issues paper as part of our work to ensure that the distribution of electricity in Victoria continues to be undertaken in a safe, efficient and reliable manner. We are seeking feedback until 9 September 2019.

Strengthening protections for life support customers

We are reviewing our electricity and gas codes to strengthen and clarify protections for life support customers, and have released a draft decision. Have your say before 13 September 2019.