How we regulate

We use a formal process to exercise our responsibilities under the Essential Services Commission Act 2001.

Cog wheel.

We use a formal process to exercise our responsibilities under the Essential Services Commission Act 2001.

These responsibilities include:

  • developing reports on how markets operate
  • delivering price determinations
  • producing compliance assessments and audits
  • taking enforcement actions when required
  • producing an annual work program, which outlines our key focuses for the year.

View more on what we do, or read our submission policy. 

Our regulatory role in each sector

View more on how we regulate, administer or review a variety of different essential services sectors. 

Accident towing and storage charges
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Electricity and gas
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Commercial passenger vehicles (taxis)
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Council rate caps
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Domestic building insurance
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Port of Melbourne
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Victorian Energy Upgrades program
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Water
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Regulatory resources

Several other documents besides the Act make up the framework we use to promote the long term interests of Victorian consumers.

Memorandums of understanding

We enter into memorandums of understanding with various Victorian Government agencies. We also enter into memorandums with agencies who share an important working relationship with us.

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Stakeholder engagement framework

Our stakeholder engagement framework describes what you can expect of us as we engage to make decisions. It also includes a charter of consultation and regulatory practice.

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Ministerial statement of expectations

Each year, we receive a statement of expectations from the Minister for Finance. It sets out the minister’s expectations of our contribution to the Victorian Government’s regulatory reform program.

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Appeal against a decision

If you’d like to appeal a decision made by the Essential Services Commission, apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.