… water customer support during the coronavirus pandemic each month during the coronavirus pandemic we are reporting on the number of customers who are receiving or applying for various forms of support from their water business. breadcrumb home overview … to include national support principles for customers facing hardship due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. adopting national coronavirus support principles into water codes 2020 (, ) previous
Victorian water customers are moving onto hardship programs in record numbers during the coronavirus pandemic, new data collected by the state regulator shows.
Proposed changes to product type and certificate creation for building based lighting upgrades (activity 34)
15 September 2020
Proposed changes to product type and certificate creation for building based lighting upgrades (activity 34)
(pdf, 264.72 KB
24 September 2020
Changes to product type and certificate creation for lighting activities 34 and 27
(pdf, 186.67 KB)
We have now reviewed feedback from stakeholders further to our program update of 15 September 2020 on proposed changes to lamp product types and
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
Energy companies will no longer be able to ‘bait and switch’ customers by offering very low prices only to increase the price within months following a rule change by the state’s energy regulator.
We have completed our review of the 2023-24 minimum feed-in tariffs.
From 1 July 2023, retailers will be able to offer solar system owners a single rate feed-in tariff, or two time-varying feed-in tariff options, or both.
Key facts about our final decision
The 2023-24 'flat rate
The Essential Services Commission has set new benchmarks for unaccounted for gas levels, to assist energy retailers and distributors reconcile differences in the amount of gas purchased and used on the network.
Victoria’s independent economic regulator says a combination of increased solar generation and continued low wholesale electricity prices during sunlight hours is driving the decrease in its proposed minimum solar feed-in tariffs for 2023-24.
The Essential Services Commission has amended the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice to streamline reporting obligations for Victorian electricity distributors.
I'm a Project Officer at the Victorian Energy Upgrades division at the commission.
I'm a little older than some of my colleagues and experienced enough to know what works for me. I don't dream about being promoted. I just appreciate doing a good job and sharing my knowledge with colleagues who are all passionate about helping everyday Victorians. It's a real joy to be working in a team that helps Victorians reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
I'm the Manager of Planning and Development in the Victorian Energy Upgrades division at the commission.
I really believe in the work we do. Knowing that you're directly helping Victorians reduce their energy bills and their carbon emissions as part of the Victorian Government's overall strategy for tackling climate change is so satisfying.
I'm a Project Manager in the Price Monitoring and Regulation team at the commission.
I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to manage diverse and challenging projects across the division. This includes our major review of waste and recycling services and our first complaint investigation in relation to the Port of Melbourne. I enjoy applying my skills to new and interesting matters and working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver outcomes that really matter to Victorians.
I’m currently the Chief People and Culture Officer at the commission, a wonderful 12 month opportunity afforded to me by the incumbent taking some well deserved long-term leave.
Mojo Power East Pty Ltd (Mojo Power) and QEnergy Ltd (QEnergy) have each paid more than $180,000 in penalties for allegedly charging Victorian Default Offer customers incorrect rates.
The Essential Services Commission issued penalty notices to the retailers after an investigation indicated they charged more than 470 customers more than was permitted following changes to the Victorian Default Offer price that took effect on 1 January 2022, lowering the average household bill by about 5 per cent.
Alinta Energy Retail Sales Pty Ltd (Alinta Energy) has paid more than $380,000 in penalties after allegedly breaching energy rules that protect Victorian consumers by failing to provide adequate assistance to customers in financial hardship.
31 January 2023
Changes to lighting activities
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (the Department) has released the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Specifications 2018 - Version 14.0 which come into effect from Wednesday, 1 February 2023. Changes to the specifications include:
Penalty notices
17 May 2023
Jemena Electricity Networks (VIC) Ltd penalty notices 2023
(pdf, 13.13 MB)
More information
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 Essential Services Commission has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from South East Water Corporation (South East Water) over allegations it failed to comply with important customer protections, including family violence obligations.
Under the