We required all five Victorian electricity distributors to undergo independent audits to check whether they complied with the smart meter regulatory framework.
Most Victorian electricity customers have paid for a smart meter. The smart meter regulatory framework exists to make sure the market and customers are realising the benefits from the smart meter roll out.
What was audited
We required auditors to examine distributors’ compliance with the smart meter regulatory framework during the 2018–19
In 2020, we ran better practice workshops to enhance support to water customers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The workshops were designed to:
- support water businesses to implement specific coronavirus support principles introduced by National Cabinet (and which we adopted into our water customer service codes in August 2020)
- promote sharing and widespread adoption of better practice approaches to customer support
Hundreds of customers have had their gas and electricity disconnected over the past two months, as the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The latest figures from the state’s independent economic regulator show some energy retailers have recommenced disconnections for non-payment, which is a worrying sign for 2021 even though the figures are low compared to historical averages.
Victoria’s booming renewable energy sector is getting a shot in the arm, with the Essential Services Commission cutting red tape for new power generators and retailers to fast track their entry into the market.
The changes could halve the time it takes to process licence applications.
Commission chair Kate Symons says renewable energy is a key part of Victoria’s future and it is vitally important to ensure new generators and retailers can enter the market in a timely manner.
Licence granted
Stanwell Corporation Limited was granted an electricity retail licence on 3 December 2014. The licence can be accessed via the resources tab.
Licence varied
This licence was last varied on 22 June 2022 (with effect from 12 September 2022).
Licence granted
Neighbourhood Energy Pty Ltd was granted a licence on 17 September 2008. The licence can be accessed via the resources tab.
Licence varied
This licence was last varied on 22 June 2022 with effect from 12 September 2022.
The Essential Services Commission has power to revoke an electricity or gas licence under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (EI Act) or the Gas Industry Act 2001 (GI Act). Without limiting the commission’s broad discretion to exercise this power, the commission’s general approach in deciding whether to exercise it is to:
Licence granted
Progressive Green Pty Ltd was granted a licence on 6 May 2009. The licence can be accessed via the resources tab.
Licence varied
This licence was last varied on 22 June 2022 with effect from 12 September 2022.
Licence granted
Power Club Limited was granted a licence on 28 March 2019.
The Essential Services Commission initiated a retailer of last resort process for Power Club Limited on 12 July 2022.
Licence revoked
Power Club Limited's licence was revoked effective from 16 September 2022.
19 September 2022
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (the Department) has released the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Specifications 2018 - Version 13.0 which come into effect from Monday, 19 September.
… south east water corporation enforceable undertaking 2023 we accepted an enforceable undertaking from south east water about family violence customer protections. breadcrumb home overview we accepted an enforceable undertaking from south east water about protecting customers experiencing family violence. south east water's enforceable undertaking over family violence customer protections the
The Essential Services Commission is inviting feedback on a proposed enforceable code of practice that electricity transmission companies must follow when using their legal powers to access private land in Victoria.
On 20 June 2023, Marinus Link Pty Ltd (ACN 630 194 562) applied for a licence to transmit electricity under section 18 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic).
Consultation on the licence application closed on 1 August 2023. You can read the submissions we received and Marinus Link Pty Ltd's response to these submissions in the Resources tab above.
We granted the licence on 20 December 2023.
The Essential Services Commission has initiated the retailer of last resort process to automatically transfer Victorian customers from failed electricity retailer Mojo Power East Pty Ltd (Mojo Power East), trading as People Energy, to other retailers to provide for the continued supply and sale of essential electricity services.
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on Wannon Water’s five-year pricing plan, with typical bills in 2023-24 set to increase by $88.
… customers who are experiencing difficulty with their water bills may be eligible for payment plans or assistance with applications for utility relief grants and other concessions. the commission has accepted central highland water’s revised new customer contributions proposal. new customer contributions (or developer charges) are levied by water businesses when a new connection is made to its water, sewerage or recycled water networks. under the final decision, central
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on East Gippsland Water’s five-year pricing plan, with typical bills in 2023-24 set to increase by $93.
This means typical annual water and sewerage bills for residential owner occupier customers will increase 7.5 per cent – from $1,238 to $1,331 – from 1 July 2023.
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on Lower Murray Water’s five-year pricing plan, with typical bills in 2023-24 set to increase by $78.
This means typical annual water and sewerage bills for residential owner occupier customers will increase 7.7 per cent – from $1,018 to $1,096 – from 1 July 2023.
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on GWMWater’s five-year pricing plan, with typical bills in 2023-24 set to decrease by $7.
On 14 September 2018, Murra Warra Project Co Pty Ltd (ACN 616 990 731) 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).
Consultations on the application closed on 17 January 2019. No submissions were received.
We granted the licence on 13 February 2019. The licence was varied 20 June 2023.