Overview

As part of its Energy Fairness Plan commitments, the Victorian Government reformed the enforcement framework that we operate under. To align with this new framework our energy codes have transitioned to to ‘codes of practice’.

The new enforcement framework was implemented via the Essential Services Commission (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Amendment Act 2021 (Compliance and Enforcement Act). 

The Compliance and Enforcement Act commenced on 1 December 2021 and resulted in our existing energy codes being deemed as ‘codes of practice’. However, for the provisions of those instruments to be fully enforced through the new enforcement framework, we are undertaking a further step of reviewing each code.

We consulted on the proposed new Electricity Distribution Code of Practice in late March 2022. In August 2022 we published a final decision. The new Electricity Distribution Code of Practice will take effect on 1 October 2022.

Compliance and Performance Reporting obligations

Distributors are required to report to the comission in accordance with the Compliance and Performance Reporting Guideline (version 7). Annex E to the final decision sets out the equivalent clauses in the new Electricity Distribution Code of Practice.

We intend to conduct further consultation on distributors’ reporting obligations under the new Electricity Distribution Code of Practice, and to conclude such process by the end of 2022.

We are responsible for setting and annually reviewing the Victorian Default Offer 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 have set the Victorian Default Offer prices to apply from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. 

Victorian default offer prices to apply from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 

Fixed flat tariffs for general usage and general usage + controlled load usage – residential customers

Fixed flat tariffs for general usage – small business customers with consumption less than 40 MWh per year

Two period time of use tariffs – residential customers

Two period time of use tariffs – small business customers with consumption less than 40 MWh per year 

Our price determination covers all types of standing offers, including those based on time-of-use, demand, and flexible tariff structures. 

If you're not sure which distribution zone you're in, you can look it up on your electricity bill or view more information on the Victorian Government's energy website.  

On 28 January 2022, Kiata Wind Farm Pty Ltd (ACN 607 460 873) applied to us under section 31 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) seeking approval to transfer its electricity generation licence in respect of the Kiata Wind Farm to Kiata ProjectCo Pty Ltd (ACN 645 707 517).

On 23 February 2022, the application for transfer was granted, having regard to our objectives under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) and the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 (Vic).

Feedback on the application

Feedback on the licence transfer application closed on 18 February 2022.

On 12 January, Hanwha Energy Retail Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 630 397 214) trading as Nectr applied for a licence to sell electricity under section 18 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic).

Consultation on the licence application closed on 9 February 2022. We received one submissions, which can be accessed from the Resources tab.

We granted the licence on 18 May 2021.