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

Water price review

We are reviewing proposed pricing and key outcomes for 2023-27 from 14 Victorian water businesses, and we want to hear what you think.

Victorian Energy Market Report: September 2022

Our latest quarterly energy market report has information on arrears and disconnection data; compliance and enforcement activity; retailer entry and exits from the market; and analysis on energy retail offers and prices paid by consumers.

Water codes review

We have completed a review our urban and rural water customer service codes to ensure they continue to meet the needs of Victorian water consumers.

Unbooked taxi fare review

We have completed our review of maximum fares for unbooked taxi services that begin in the Melbourne Metropolitan or Urban and Large Regional Zones.

Latest News

Media releases

06 October 2022

Victorian water businesses submit new maximum pricing proposals to independent regulator

The prices households will pay for water services are under review as Victoria’s economic regulator examines pricing proposals from 14 of the state’s water businesses.

A middle aged couple looking at bills together, at a kitchen table

Media releases

29 September 2022

New energy report tracks Victorian retail response to volatile wholesale prices

The Essential Services Commission is closely monitoring Victoria’s retail energy market following recent volatility in wholesale energy prices.

A photo showing a person's hand turning on a bathroom tap, and the person's other handing catching watching coming out of the tap.

Media releases

27 September 2022

New protections for Victorian water customers

The state’s economic regulator today released updated water industry standards, strengthening support and protections for Victorian consumers, particularly those facing financial difficulties.

Image of a taxi sitting in a taxi rank in a metropolitan street

Media releases

06 September 2022

‘Unbooked’ taxi fares increase to address higher costs and a driver shortage

For the first time since 2014, the maximum fares for ‘unbooked’ taxis will increase in response to higher fuel costs and a driver shortage.

Media releases

01 September 2022

Elysian Energy customer transfer

The Essential Services Commission has initiated the ‘retailer of last resort’ process that will automatically transfer customers from failed retailer Elysian Energy Pty Ltd (Elysian) to other retailers in Victoria to provide for the continued supply and sale of electricity services.

An image showing a gavel resting in the forefront of the picture, while a set of hands writes on a piece of paper in the background.

Media releases

23 August 2022

Origin Energy pays more than $70,000 in penalties over alleged bill payment assistance and life support breaches

Origin Energy Electricity Limited (Origin Energy) has paid over $70,000 in penalties after allegedly breaching rules that protect Victorians relying on electricity for life support or facing bill stress.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Distributor reporting obligations – Electricity Distribution Code of Practice update

We have released a draft decision for consultation on a proposal to move electricity distributor reporting obligations and performance indicators out of the Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline and into a schedule to the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice. Consultation closes 27 October 2022.

Water price review

We are reviewing proposed pricing and key outcomes for 2023-27 from 14 Victorian water businesses, and we want to hear what you think. Consultation closes 1 December 2022.