We welcome the opportunity to provide a submission to the Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) Energy Consumer Reforms Discussion Paper.

Our submission is informed by what our members have told us about the needs and experiences of vulnerable consumers within the Victorian energy market. We give special thanks to the members of the FCVic Essential Services Network (formerly the Utilities Working Group) for sharing their expertise, experience with the most vulnerable consumers, and recommendations for ensuring that essential services are fair for all.

We suggest that the commentary in this submission be read in conjunction with the commentary and recommendations in our initial July 2024 submission to the ESC’s Energy Retail Code of Practice (ERCOP) review as it touches upon common themes.