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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AGL Energy failure to provide 2017-18 performance report

AGL have advised us of potential inaccuracies in performance data they submitted for our Victorian Energy Market Report. We are examining the implications of AGL’s failure to provide timely and accurate data, including how it may have affected previous reporting periods.

Electricity and gas retail markets review implementation

We have introduced a suit of reforms, including three new customer entitlements that will oblige electricity and gas retailers to help customers find their best deal, in response to the independent review into the retail electricity and gas markets in Victoria.

Family violence resources review discussion paper

We have released a discussion paper to guide energy retailers on how to improve processes to provide safe and effective support to customers and staff experiencing family violence.

New name, new regulations for VEET scheme

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme is about to undergo a makeover, with new regulations, a new online presence and a new name.

Latest News

Dean, an Essential Services Commission employee, in a garden smiling at the camera.

Staff articles

13 November 2018

Essential stories: Dean, water team member

‘Recently, I was fortunate enough to take some extended leave. I really enjoyed the extra time I got to spend with my kids, doing things like playing music with them and helping with homework. It’s great that the commission values work-life balance for staff and sees how it benefits everyone.'

Image of Rosie Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year, giving a presentation at a family violence workshop on 1 November 2018.

Staff articles

07 November 2018

Learning from family violence specialists and survivors

In November 2018, we attended a national roundtable on family violence to hear from survivors (including 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty) and help us incorporate new research findings into our work program.

An image showing Dr Ron Ben-David, Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission, seated at a table and talking to someone with their back to the camera.

Staff articles

05 November 2018

From the chairperson: our year, 2017-18

In this forward to our Annual Report 2017-18, Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission, Dr Ron Ben-David, discusses our achievements over the past year.

An image showing a woman holding a baby while sitting at a table that holds a laptop, mobile phone and cup of coffee.

Media releases

31 October 2018

Working together to better protect people experiencing family violence

The state’s energy regulator is working with family violence specialists and the energy industry to put in place safeguards for energy customers who are dealing with family violence.

Birds-eye view of Melbourne CBD at sunset with city lights on

Media releases

30 October 2018

Energy regulator says energy reforms ‘a game changer’

Victoria's energy regulator has adopted sweeping new reforms that make electricity and gas retailers responsible for helping customers get on to their best energy deals.

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Audio and video

30 October 2018

Once-in-a-decade reforms to help energy customers find the best deal

Hear our chairperson, Ron Ben-David, discuss changes to the Energy Retail Code that will help customers determine whether they can get a better deal on energy prices.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Water price review guidance papers

We are seeking feedback on our water price review draft guidance papers for Goulburn-Murray Water, South Gippsland Water and Western Water, to inform our work to regulate the prices each water business will charge from 1 July 2020. Send us your feedback by 4 December 2018.

Family violence resources review discussion paper

We have released a discussion paper to guide energy retailers on how to improve processes to provide safe and effective support to customers and staff experiencing family violence. Send us your feedback on the paper by 7 December 2018.