We are an independent regulator that promotes the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.
What we do
Overview
Our vision
Fair and dependable essential services, today and tomorrow.
Our purpose
To promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.
Our role
In place of the Office of the Regulator-General, we were established in 2001 to regulate Victoria’s energy, water and transport sectors, and administer the rate-capping system for the local government sector. We also regulate the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases by making energy efficiency improvements more affordable for consumers. We occasionally review other sectors at the request of the Victorian Government.
As the state’s economic regulator of essential services, our work touches the lives of every Victorian every day. Whether we are setting prices, enforcing consumer protections, reporting on service standards or market performance, or determining rate cap applications, our decisions have the potential to affect many aspects of life for every household and business across the state. We are required to give consideration to many factors, including the effect of decisions on consumers experiencing vulnerability.
In line with our stakeholder engagement framework and submissions policy, we consult with stakeholders by conducting workshops, public forums and formal submission processes to help inform our decision making.
We are led by four commissioners and our chief executive officer who promote thought leadership and the delivery of great performance in how we regulate the energy, water, local government and transport sectors.
We achieve our purpose by living our key values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Impartiality
- Excellence
- Respect.
Our vision: Fair and dependable essential services, today and tomorrow

Efficient Pricing
Prices are fair, economically efficient, and represent the best value for consumers.

Equitable Services
Essential services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to all consumers, regardless of circumstances.

Resilience and Sustainability
Essential services remain just, reliable and cost-effective as they respond to longterm changes, including the transition to carbon neutrality.

Integrity and Trust
Markets operate with integrity and trust, and regulation promotes transparency, accountability, certainty and consumer confidence.
Past strategies
Past strategies
Regulatory resources
Regulatory resources
In addition to the Essential Services Commission Act 2001, several documents make up the framework we use to promote the long term interests of Victorian consumers.
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.