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

Taxi fares increase reflects rise in insurance and labour costs

Maximum fares for unbooked taxis will increase by 2.8 per cent for a standard unbooked taxi and 2.6 per cent for a high occupancy taxi from 23 September 2025 following an annual fare adjustment.

Supporting migrant and refugee women to engage with the energy market by removing barriers

The Essential Services Commission has partnered with Women’s Health in the North (WHIN) to deliver the Power Up Victoria project, to support migrant and refugee women who have faced barriers accessing and participating in the energy market.

Removing unnecessary regulation by revoking outdated codes

We have revoked the Electricity Customer Transfer Code of Practice (Transfer Code) and the Electricity Customer Metering Code of Practice (Metering Code), which are outdated and no longer fit-for-purpose.

Apply now: seeking auditors for the Victorian Energy Upgrades program

We are seeking applications from auditors to conduct independent audits for the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, to help protect consumers and program integrity.

Latest News

Media releases

05 September 2025

Businesses punished over phantom energy efficiency upgrades

The Essential Services Commission has punished two businesses it alleges claimed Victorian energy efficiency certificates for work that didn’t take place.

Media releases

04 September 2025

Updated handbook to help water and energy businesses respond to family violence

The Essential Services Commission has updated the Better practice in responding to family violence handbook, which serves as a practical guide to help energy and water businesses assess and strengthen their response to family violence. The handbook has been updated to reflect deepening understanding about family violence risk in essential services, including the importance of taking a Safety by Design approach.

Media releases

01 September 2025

Taxi fares increase reflects rise in insurance and labour costs

Maximum fares for unbooked taxis will increase following an annual fare adjustment. This increase will help keep taxis on the road by ensuring fares reflect the cost of doing business.

News update

28 August 2025

Streamlining public lighting obligations

The Essential Services Commission has commenced public consultation on its proposal to revoke the Public Lighting Code of Practice (code of practice). Most obligations are outdated or already covered by other requirements, while essential minimum standards will be preserved by transferring them to the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice (EDCoP).

A tow truck in the process of rolling a broken-down car up ramps on to the truck's tray.

News update

27 August 2025

Final report on accident towing and storage fees

The Essential Services Commission has released its final report on accident towing fees, proposing no change to the current fee structures for towing and storing vehicles damaged in road accidents.

Media releases

14 August 2025

Supporting migrant and refugee women to engage with the energy market by removing barriers

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Public Lighting Code of Practice Review - Consultation closes 26 September 2025

SUPA Energy Pty Ltd - Application for electricity and gas retail licence - Consultation closes 1 October 2025