Current consultations

We have updated the Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline for energy businesses. The updates strengthen protection for consumers and are seeking your feedback on these updates. The guideline describes the information energy retailers and distributors need to report to us on how they are performing and whether they are complying with their obligations. When an energy business does not comply with an obligation in the guideline, they must report

What is the payment difficulty framework? The framework is a set of energy rules to better protect and support residential customers that are anticipating or facing payment difficulty. The framework was developed in 2017 in response to high numbers of residential customers being disconnected for non-payment. The framework’s objectives are that:

• customers are supported to pay their ongoing energy use, repay their arrears and lower their energy

Context for this review As part of its Energy Fairness Plan commitments, the Victorian Government is proposing to reform the enforcement framework that the commission operates under. Parliament is currently considering the the Essential Services Commission (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill 2021, which would give effect to these reforms if passed.  The Bill proposes to deem existing energy codes, including the Energy Retail Code, as ‘

Accredited persons have sought guidance on wood-fired room heater decommissioning, and the meaning of ‘permanently inoperable’ in this context. The safety of professionals during the activity, and of residents and consumers after the activity, is our main concern. We are seeking your feedback by Thursday 30 September 2021 on:

• the appropriate level of assurance to demonstrate compliance with our regulations and safety considerations, and

We are responsible for setting, and annually reviewing, the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) prices. The default offer is designed to be a simple, trusted and reasonably priced electricity option that safeguards customers that are unwilling or unable to engage in the market.  We are consulting on our draft decision on the Victorian Default Offer applying from 1 January 2022. Our draft decision follows the release of our consultation paper in May 2021. We