Electricity and gas are essential services as they are a basic public need. The Victorian Electricity Industry Act 2000 and Gas Industry Act 2001 aim to protect consumers. This includes ensuring transparency in the market and provide for compliance with obligations.
Consumers should expect to receive electricity and gas under fair terms and conditions. This includes protections about billing, disconnections and quality of supply. Consumers should also enjoy competitive prices and innovative products.
Electricity and gas providers need a licence from the Essential Services Commission. They must comply with legal obligations. Some suppliers might be exempt from needing a license.
Anyone generating, transmitting, distributing, supplying, or selling electricity by retail, or distributing by a pipeline or selling gas by retail, without authority breaks the law and may face penalties.
Learn more about the regulatory frameworks for electricity and gas exemptions.
Page last updated: 23/07/24