29 June 2022
Refrigerated cabinets discount factor
We have implemented changes to the VEU registry to implement the government's announcement today to remove incentives for any refrigerated cabinet products installed that belongs to products class 1 to 11 (inclusive) under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2020 (Cth). This change is in place until a full activity review can be undertaken by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and
7 July 2022
The Essential Services Commission acknowledges the queries and concerns that many accredited persons and scheme participants are raising in response to the recent announcements about the refrigerated cabinets activity under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
22 July 2022
Assessment of pending Victorian energy efficiency certificates
The Essential Services Commission thanks you for your ongoing support as we continue our investigation into multiple installations of refrigerated cabinets under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
As we communicated earlier this month, we have recommenced our assessment of pending Victorian energy efficiency certificates for the refrigerated cabinet activity, focusing initially on those claims that
We hosted our second community sector roundtable for 2022 in late July. Our chairperson commissioner Kate Symons hosted the event, marking our 12th community sector roundtable since April 2020.
The Victorian energy regulator has accepted court enforceable undertakings from EnergyAustralia Pty Ltd,
Origin Energy Electricity Limited (Origin Energy) has paid over $70,000 in penalties after allegedly breaching rules that protect Victorians relying on electricity for life support or facing bill stress.
The Essential Services Commission issued two penalty notices to Origin Energy in July 2022 following a four-month investigation into consumer protection breaches self-reported by the retailer.
Commissioner Sitesh Bhojani says Origin Energy’s alleged failure on these occasions to uphold protections that
Licence granted
AGL Sales (Queensland) Pty Ltd was granted a licence on 31 October 2017. 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
Sumo Power Retail Pty Ltd was granted an electricity retail licence on 26 November 2014 and Sumo Gas Pty Ltd was granted a gas retail licence on 17 February 2017. The licences can be accessed via the resources tab.
Licence varied
The licences were last varied on 22 June 2022 (with effect from 12 September 2022).
Licence granted
Blue NRG Pty Ltd was granted a licence on 23 March 2012. 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
M2 Energy Pty Ltd was granted a gas retail licence on 19 September 2007. The licence can be accessed via the resources tab.
Licence varied
This licence was last varied on 28 July 2022 (with effect from 12 September 2022).
Licence granted
Diamond Energy Pty Ltd was granted a licence on 17 October 2007. 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.
Meeting with the heads of power companies last week, Essential Services Commission chair Kate Symons, said the latest data shows more signs of energy stress are emerging.
“Average debt for residential customers who can’t pay for their ongoing usage has increased to $1,588, 13 per cent higher than in April.
Victoria’s energy regulator has required People Energy to pay a $335,550 penalty after it failed to surrender enough certificates to offset its liability for the 2019 compliance year under the largest energy efficiency program in the country.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps households and small businesses cut their energy bills by installing more energy efficient products. The program is funded by energy retailers who purchase certificates in proportion to the volume of electricity and gas
Current maximum embedded network pricing
The General Exemption Order, which outlines embedded network rules, includes rules about the maximum pricing that an embedded network can charge a customer.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have significant financial impact on Victorian households and small businesses, according to the state’s independent economic regulator.
However, the Essential Services Commission says it is too early to tell whether the staged reduction of the JobSeeker and JobKeeper allowances is further affecting the situation.
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
… is designed to bring about behavioural change through better communication. water businesses said they use the framework by: operating at an ‘at your word’ level – taking a customer’s word about their circumstances working with customers to find solutions together giving the right information to support customers and meet their individual needs reducing pressure (especially for customers affected by bushfires), and conveying a message of help removing negative incentives like interest
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).