… independent regulator announces victorian electricity default offer 26 may 2025 the essential services commission has released its final decision on the victorian default offer to apply from 1 july 2025 to 30 june 2026. the final decision follows industry and community consultation on the draft decision released in march , as well as further economic analysis using the latest data. the victorian default offer is a fair, independently set electricity price that: gives
Elly Patira has been appointed as a commissioner. Her term will commence on 4 November 2024.A commercial lawyer and expert in participatory approaches to public policy-making, Elly has deep public administration, regulation and legal experience and a longstanding passion for improving outcomes for marginalised consumer groups. Prior to joining the commission, Elly was CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT, a corporate Commonwealth entity responsible for deploying $680 million in capital for
The Essential Services Commission has commenced public consultation on proposed consumer reforms to help Victorian households access cheaper energy deals and increase support for consumers experiencing payment difficulty.Essential Services Commission Chairperson Gerard Brody says the commission is seeking input from consumers, advocates, energy retailers and the broader industry on these important reforms.
19 December 2024: On 10 December 2024 the commission published the following pages associated with the Water Performance Report 2023-24:
The Essential Services Commission today released its annual Council Rate Cap Compliance Report, showing each of Victoria’s 79 local councils kept their rate increases within the 2.75 per cent cap for 2024–25 set by the Minister for Local Government.
… hardship related guaranteed service level measures review 2011 we developed 'guaranteed service level' resources to help water businesses support customers experiencing financial hardship. project started 2000-01-02 project completed 2001-01-02 overview water businesses are required to provide minimum levels of service to customers. these are called ‘guaranteed service levels’ and relate to things including communication with customers, water supply and water
In response to recommendations from Victoria's Royal Commission into Family Violence, we amended our water customer service codes to require water businesses to provide assistance to customers and staff experiencing family violence.
Family violence resources
Family violence resources for businesses
The Victorian Government asked us to verify that customers were repaid certain amounts in relation to the construction of a desalination plant.
We released a paper, Opinion Report - Return of Additional Desalination Payments, that outlined whether an additional return of desalination funds to customers was appropriate (on top of those being returned via the 2012-13 price freeze).
We also released quarterly progress reports and an independent audit report
We approved a mechanism to allow Barwon Water to apply for tariff adjustments to deal with the impact of uncertain and unforeseen events.
Examples of uncertain and unforeseen events that could justify an application under this mechanism include:
- significant changes in the timing or costs associated with major capital (or other) projects
- significant differences between actual and forecast demand levels
- changes in legislative and other Government
The Essential Services Commission has recently completed its review of the systems and processes Victoria’s electricity distributors have in place to deliver reliable and timely information to their custome
AGL Sales Pty Ltd (AGL) acquired Australian Power and Gas Pty Ltd (APG) in September 2013. While they are separately licensed, APG is wholly owned by AGL.
View all electricity licences.
We accepted an undertaking from AGL for certain compliance issues
AGL's disconnection warning notices did not comply with the Energy Retail Code in the following instances:
- Between 31 August 2011 and 24 January 2013, AGL issued 26,394 disconnection warning notices to deemed
On 24 July 2023, Sun Spot 3 Pty Ltd (ACN 618 128 733) applied for a licence to generate electricity for supply or sale and to sell electricity under section 18 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.
Consultation of the licence application closed on 21 August 2023. We did not receive any submissions.
We granted the licence on 29 August 2023.
On 26 July 2023, Pacific Blue Smart Communities Pty Ltd (ACN 151 241 673) applied for a licence to generate electricity for supply or sale, and to sell electricity under section 18 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic).Consultation on the licence application closed on Wednesday, 23 August 2023. We did not receive any submissions.We granted the licence on 26 September 2023.
As required under the Local Government Act, we:
- assess, then accept or reject higher cap applications
- undertake council compliance reports, provide advice to the Minister for Local Government on the annual rate cap and other matters
- develop guidance and resources for councils and undertake studies and reviews as required
- report on outcomes in the sector
… funding options and why those options are not adequate that the assumptions and proposals in the application are consistent with the council’s long term strategy and financial management policies set out in the council’s planning documents and annual budget. the statutory objectives are: to promote the long term interests of ratepayers and the community in relation to sustainable outcomes in the delivery of services and critical infrastructure to ensure that a council has the financial
The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme is about to undergo a makeover, with new regulations, a new online presence and a new name.
From 10 December, the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme will be officially known across the commission’s websites and documentation as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
The name change will be rolled out alongside remade regulations, following the mandatory 10-year review.
The VEET scheme commenced in 2009, in order to:
By Jessica Gregory, a policy analyst in our energy team
On 1 November 2018, the Thriving Communities Partnership and Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE) held a national roundtable on organisational responses to family violence. Representatives from the corporate and community sectors came together to consider new research from WIRE by Dr Nilmini Fernando.
… ensure products deliver genuine energy and cost savings, we have strong standards and processes for products approved for listing on the veu register of products and installation under the veu program. to be listed on the veu register of products , a product must meet the following performance requirements: the criteria listed in the veet regulations the minimum efficiency requirements specified in the veu specifications . these requirements also provide assurance for accredited persons
… how we register victorian energy efficiency certificates (veecs) learn more about our assessment process to register your victorian energy efficiency certificates (veecs) once they are created. how we register victorian energy efficiency certificates (veecs) when accredited persons create victorian energy efficiency certificates (veecs) for installations undertaken as part of the victorian energy upgrades (veu) program, they submit the veec creation
The state’s energy regulator has confirmed AGL has paid a shortfall penalty of almost $3 million after failing to surrender enough certificates to offset its liability under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme.
AGL paid $2,991,621 after failing to surrender 64,033 Victorian energy efficiency certificates which is between 5 and 10 per cent of its total 2017 liability.