Essential Services Commission

We promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

Featured work

15 September 2026

Regulator releases guidance to assist businesses with water price submissions

The Essential Services Commission has released guidance to help 16 Victorian water businesses prepare their price submissions for the 2028 Water Price Review.

21 July 2026

New strategy and regulatory priorities support access to essential services

Today we have released our 2026–27 Regulatory Priorities, updated Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity strategy and First Nations Self-Determination Framework, which set out our focus for the year and our approach to fairer access to essential services for all Victorians.

31 August 2026

Businesses banned from energy efficiency scheme for false claims and banned sales activity

The Essential Services Commission has cancelled the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accreditation of two businesses for allegedly providing false information about their energy efficiency projects and breaching consumer protections.

25 May 2026

Regulator reduces Victorian default electricity prices

The Essential Services Commission has announced a reduction in Victoria’s default electricity prices to apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Latest News

A man putting clothes into his washing machine

News update

01 October 2026

Midday Power Saver now available

Victorian energy retailers must offer the Midday Power Saver to eligible residential customers from 1 October 2026.

Media releases

01 October 2026

New energy rules to help Victorians stay connected

Victorians struggling to pay their energy bills are now better protected under new rules to help customers stay connected and get the best energy price. From today, the minimum debt a consumer can be disconnected for increases from $300 to $1,000.

Man selling door to door to elderly person.

Media releases

24 September 2026

Businesses punished for providing false information as proof of energy efficient upgrades

The Essential Services Commission has taken action against two Victorian Energy Upgrades accredited businesses for providing false information about energy efficiency projects and breaching consumer protections.

Shipping containers at the Port of Melbourne with the Melbourne CBD in the background

Media releases

21 September 2026

Regulator seeks feedback on guidance for reviewing Port of Melbourne infrastructure projects

The Essential Services Commission is asking for public feedback on how it intends to fulfil its new role in reviewing major infrastructure projects at the Port of Melbourne.

Media releases

21 September 2026

New rules to protect life support customers and improve emergency response

The Essential Services Commission has announced new rules to improve how electricity and gas businesses register and keep details up to date for their customers who rely on life support equipment.

Media releases

17 September 2026

Proposed changes to Victoria’s energy rules to better protect consumers and minimise unnecessary costs

The Essential Services Commission is seeking feedback on proposed changes to Victoria’s energy rules. These changes are intended to remove unnecessary requirements and better protect consumers by clarifying existing rules.

Featured consultations

View all current consultations

Reviewing the Energy Retail Code of Practice - Consultation closes on 23 October 2026.

Fulham Solar Farm Pty Ltd as trustee for Fulham Solar Farm Trust - application for electricity generation licence - Consultation closes on 13 October 2026.