Proposed Victoria energy rules changes would start in March 2027
Victorian energy customers could see changes to billing, complaint handling and gas disconnection information under proposed updates to Victoria energy rules due to take effect from 1 March 2027.
The Essential Services Commission has opened consultation on the changes, which it said are aimed at removing unnecessary requirements, clarifying existing rules and bringing Victoria’s framework closer to national rules.
Among the proposed changes are clearer protections if electricity from electric vehicles, batteries and solar is separately metered under a different contract, stronger requirements for retailers to follow their published complaint handling and dispute resolution procedures, and new obligations for retailers to give gas customers clearer information before disconnecting or abolishing a gas service.
The commission is also proposing to simplify some bills by removing the requirement to include start and end meter readings for customers with smart meters, and by clarifying that information about a retailer’s best energy offer is not required on final bills.
Feedback open until 23 October 2026
Other proposed Victoria energy rules changes would confirm that discounts, rebates and credits offered with no end date must be honoured for the length of a customer’s contract, and remove duplicated requirements on greenhouse gas disclosure or bill benchmarking information.
A separate consultation is also open on rule changes linked to the Midday Power Saver Offer. The commission said the proposal would clarify protections for customers who opt in, including requirements for clear information about how the offer works, its potential costs and cooling-off periods.
Essential Services Commission chairperson and commissioner Gerard Brody said: “Good regulation should be simple and effective – ensuring strong protections for consumers without creating unnecessary complexity for businesses to comply.”
Feedback can be lodged through Engage Victoria until 5pm on 23 October 2026. The commission expects to publish final rules in December 2026.
