Financial Counselling Victoria has made a submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) in response to its Regulatory Impact Statement on proposed energy consumer reforms. Informed by frontline experiences, FCVic supports reforms that prioritise fairness, accessibility, and proactive support for people in financial hardship—particularly through automatic best offer switching, improved concession access, fair pricing for legacy contracts, and clear consumer communications.

The submission also highlights the importance of culturally safe support for First Nations consumers and opposes the use of punitive disconnection threats as a default engagement tool. FCVic calls for principles-based regulation, greater enforcement, and a commitment to equity and fairness in essential service provision—particularly for those most at risk of falling through the cracks.