We are implementing key recommendations from an independent bipartisan review of electricity and gas retail markets in areas including bills and marketing, competitiveness and regulatory codes.
Electricity and gas retail markets review implementation 2018
In 2017, the Victorian Government responded to an independent bipartisan review of electricity and gas retail markets in areas including bills and marketing, competitiveness and regulatory codes.
After announcing its support for a majority of the review's recommendations, the government has asked us to implement a number of them, including:
- Bills and marketing - setting new standards for bills and marketing material to help customers navigate the energy market more effectively
- Competitiveness review - developing and applying a framework for reporting on competitiveness and efficiency in the market. The framework is to include a reference price for assessing competitiveness
- Code review - undertaking a review of our regulatory codes to ensure they focus on customer outcomes, in accordance with the review's recommendations.
We are developing a framework for assessing the competitiveness and efficiency of the Victorian energy retail market.
We are undertaking work to reduce the allowable back-billing period for retail energy customers from nine months to four months.
We have made changes to ensure electricity and gas contracts are clear and fair.
Our work on bills and marketing included setting new standards for bills and marketing materials, with the aim of helping customers navigate the energy market more effectively. These changes took effect from 1 July 2019.
We developed a methodology to recommend a Victorian Default Offer price, which was introduced on 1 July 2019.
Key milestones
- 1 July 2019: Victorian Default Offer implemented, and new standards for bills and marketing take effect.
- 17 December 2019: Framework to assess the competitiveness and efficiency of the retail energy market published.
- February 2020: New standards for clear and fair contract terms finalised.
- 1 July 2020: New standards for contract terms come into effect.
- Late 2020: Report on competitiveness and efficiency of the retail energy market.
Stakeholder reference group
We have established a stakeholder reference group to assist us with this work.
The purpose of the group is to obtain a variety of perspectives, insights and knowledge to inform the work program and to ensure we understand the concerns and issues the sector and consumers face.
Participants in the reference group were recruited via an expression of interest. Membership includes the following organisations:
- AGL
- Australian Energy Council
- Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Consumer Law Action Centre
- Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria)
- Monash University
- Onsite Energy Solutions
- Powershop
- Red Energy / LUMO Energy
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- Victorian Council of Social Service.
In addition to these members, we have invited observers representing the following:
- Australian Energy Regulator
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
- Department of Health and Human Services.
We regularly publish our meeting minutes.
Stakeholder reference group resources
Project resources
27 August 2019
Our first forum for energy industry stakeholders on 27 August 2019 covered the retail market review, the Victorian Default Offer, the Electricity Distribution Code review and protections for life support customers. Use this page to review summaries of each session and download related presentations and other useful resources.
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How to stay up to date with these projects
To stay up to date, contact us at retailenergyreview@esc.vic.gov.au to register your interest. You can also check our website or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest information. Alternatively, contact us to discuss how you can have your say on these energy market reforms.