For the latest information on the state of emergency in Victoria due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Department of Health and Human Services website. For the latest on business restrictions go to the Business Victoria website or call the hotline on 13 22 15.

Electricity and gas codes, guidelines and policies

Access resources that impose certain obligations on Victorian electricity and gas businesses.

Cog wheel.

Some of our codes and guidelines apply to the electricity and gas industries, while others only apply to one industry. You can view relevant pending or previous amendments for certain resources, as well as any related reviews or consultations. 

Read market performance and reporting information on how well regulated businesses comply with these codes and guidelines.

Featured work

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Energy Retail Code

This code sets out the rules electricity and gas retailers must follow when selling energy to Victorian customers.

Electricity and gas icon

Electricity Distribution Code

This code regulates distributing and connecting electricity to customers. It also covers embedded generating units (such as solar panels) and transferring electricity between distribution systems.

Electricity and gas icon

Family violence resources for businesses

View all of our family violence resources including our better practice guide, and a research report on outcomes for customers following changes to the water customer services codes.

Energy codes and guidelines

Compliance guidance
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Electricity codes and guidelines

Audit Guideline for Energy Businesses
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Code of Conduct for Marketing Retail Energy
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Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline
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Electricity Customer Metering Code
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Electricity Customer Transfer Code
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Electricity Distribution Code
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9 May 2019
Energy Fact Sheet Guidelines
(pdf, 383.44 KB)
December 2017
Energy compliance and enforcement policy: Guidance note - Payment difficulty and disconnection
(pdf, 823.96 KB)
30 October 2000
Electricity System Code
(pdf, 434.41 KB)
Energy Compliance and Enforcement Policy
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Energy Retail Code
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Family violence resources for businesses

Our work to support Victorians experiencing family violence has resulted in numerous developments in the energy and water sectors. View all resources here and learn more about our work in this area.

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28 February 2020
Guideline: Advertising energy prices
(pdf, 166.26 KB)
Guideline for exemptions to once a year price increases
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4 May 2020
Guideline: maximum cap for pay-on-time discounts
(pdf, 98.42 KB)
24 August 2020
Guideline: supporting utility relief grant applications

This guideline relates to changes to the Energy Retail Code that will take effect on 1 October 2020.

(pdf, 89.86 KB)
24 August 2020
Guideline: temporary assistance for small business customers during the coronavirus pandemic

This guideline relates to changes to the Energy Retail Code that will take effect on 1 October 2020.

(pdf, 102.23 KB)
14 November 1996
Guideline 5: Electricity Industry - Connection and Use of System Agreements
(pdf, 50.96 KB)
1 March 2003
Guideline 9: Electricity Industry - Regulatory audits of distribution and retail businesses
(pdf, 2.34 MB)
Guideline 11: Electricity Industry - Voltage Variation Compensation
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Guideline 13: Electricity Industry – Greenhouse Gas Disclosure On Electricity Customers Bills
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29 April 2004
Guideline 14: Electricity Industry - Provision of services by electricity distributors
(pdf, 190.64 KB)
13 April 2008
Guideline 15: Electricity Industry - Connection of Embedded Generation
(pdf, 204.31 KB)
October 2004
Guideline 17: Electricity Ring Fencing
(pdf, 132.65 KB)
13 April 2008
Guideline 18: Electricity Industry - Augmentation and Land Access Guidelines
(pdf, 222.46 KB)
Public Lighting Code
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Registration Guideline for Exempt Persons
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Gas codes and guidelines

Audit Guideline for Energy Businesses
(, )
Code of Conduct for Marketing Retail Energy
(, )
Energy Retail Code
(, )
9 May 2019
Energy Fact Sheet Guidelines
(pdf, 383.44 KB)
Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline
(, )
Energy Compliance and Enforcement Policy
(, )
December 2017
Energy compliance and enforcement policy: Guidance note - Payment difficulty and disconnection
(pdf, 823.96 KB)
Family violence resources for businesses

Our work to support Victorians experiencing family violence has resulted in numerous developments in the energy and water sectors. View all resources including our better practice guide, and a research report on outcomes for customers following changes to the water customer services codes.

(, )
Gas Distribution System Code
(, )
28 February 2020
Guideline: Advertising energy prices
(pdf, 166.26 KB)
Guideline for exemptions to once a year price increases
(, )
24 August 2020
Guideline: supporting utility relief grant applications

This guideline relates to changes to the Energy Retail Code that will take effect on 1 October 2020.

(pdf, 89.86 KB)
24 August 2020
Guideline: temporary assistance for small business customers during the coronavirus pandemic

This guideline relates to changes to the Energy Retail Code that will take effect on 1 October 2020.

(pdf, 102.23 KB)
1 March 2003
Guideline 8: Gas Industry - Operational and Compliance Audits
(pdf, 4.86 MB)
10 August 2008
Guideline 17: Gas Industry - Regulatory Accounting Information Requirements
(pdf, 275.11 KB)

Deemed distribution contract variations review 2018

Deemed distribution contract variations review 2018
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