Embedded network customers to have their say on electricity prices

More than 100,000 Victorians living in apartments, caravan parks and retirement villages will now get a chance to have their say on how electricity prices are set for embedded networks.

Embedded network customers are currently not fully covered by the same price protections as other customers.

Essential Services Commission acting director pricing, Dean Wickenton says the commission is looking at updating the maximum price embedded customers can be charged for electricity.

“Customers living in embedded networks are unable to access competitive market offers or the Victorian Default Offer and as a result many are paying more.

“Our consultation paper is aimed at flushing out the issues faced by embedded networks and their customers,” he said.

One of the suggested approaches in the paper is to base maximum prices on the existing Victorian Default Offer which reflects the independent regulator’s view on the efficient price of supplying electricity in Victoria.

The commission will set a price for embedded networks under a General Exemption Order set by the Victorian Government.

There is around 104,000 residential, caravan park and retirement village customers and 18,000 small and large business customers in embedded networks across the state.

The consultation paper is available on Engage Victoria until 10 March 2020. Feedback will be used to inform a draft decision.