What we do

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. We regulate Victoria’s energy, water and transport sectors, administer the rate-capping system for the local government sector and administer the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme.

Cog wheel.

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. 

We regulate Victoria’s energy, water and transport sectors, and administer the rate-capping system for the local government sector. We also administer the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases by making energy efficiency improvements more affordable for consumers. 

We promote thought leadership and the delivery of great performance in how we regulate the electricity and gas, water, local government and transport sectors. We also occasionally review other sectors at the request of the Victorian Government. View more information on the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme.

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 plan, which outlines our key focuses for the year.

In line with our charter of consultation, we consult with stakeholders by conducting workshops, public forums and formal submission processes (in line with our submission policy).

We also respond to freedom of information requests when people contact us. 

Our key values

We promote the long term interests of Victorian consumers by implementing key values.

Integrity
  • Being transparent and consistent in making decisions.
  • Clearly explaining the rationale behind decisions.
  • Acting openly and honestly.
Collaboration
  • Sharing information and knowledge across the organisation.
  • Adopting an open and constructive approach to addressing and resolving issues with stakeholders.
  • Providing or taking opportunities across the organisation to jointly deliver influential outcomes.
Impartiality
  • Basing advice and decisions on merit, without bias, caprice, favouritism or self interest.
  • Acting fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts and fair criteria.
Excellence
  • Being rigorous in the assessment of data and information.
  • Exhibiting clear, evidence-based decision-making.
  • Challenging traditional approaches and exploring new ideas based on the latest economic and regulatory thinking.
Respect
  • Treating people fairly and objectively, with dignity.
  • Considering the views of others to improve outcomes on an ongoing basis.

Learn more how we regulate.