Essential Services Commission

The new maximum interest rate that water businesses may charge their customers on unpaid water bills from 1 July 2026 will be 6.0 per cent.
The commission sets the maximum interest rate to ensure that charges for late payments remain fair and reflect the reasonable cost to water businesses of unpaid bills, without placing undue financial pressure on customers.

Read more:
https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/maximum-interest-rate-payable-overdue-water-bills-1-july-2026

Following a request from Glen Eira City Council, we have approved an application for a higher rate cap of 5 per cent for the 2026-27 financial year, 2.25 percentage points above the 2.75 per cent cap set by the Minister for Local Government.

Read more on our website: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/glen-eira-city-councils-request-higher-rate-cap-approved

From Ballarat to Dandenong, our inspectors have been out in force around the state, checking that energy efficient installations meet Victorian Energy Upgrades program rules.

Read more: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/compliance-push-weeds-out-non-compliant-businesses-44-million-certificates-forfeited

Three ways to reduce your energy bills this autumn/winter:

1. Speak to your current provider to see if there’s a better plan to suit your energy needs.
2. Shop around to get the best deal. Victorian Energy Compare is a good place to start:
https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
3. Consider some energy saving VEU upgrades:
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/homes

ℹ️ This month the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) will be running 'Bring your bill' days in Melton, Braybrook, Bendigo and Castlemaine.

Residents can get free advice and help with resolving bill disputes.

More information below.

Melton, Braybrook, Bendigo and Castlemaine – bring your recent electricity, gas and water bills to these free community events!

Friendly team members from the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria will talk you through:
💡Understanding your bills and checking if you’re on the best offer.
💧Accessing energy and water concessions, payment plans and relief grants.
🔥Getting help with complaints about electricity, gas and water companies.

Chat to us in person this month:
📅 5 May, Melton – 1pm to 4pm at Melton Library and Learning Hub – book via City of Melton council.
📅 6 May, Braybrook – 1pm to 3pm at Central West Plaza, by Duke Street Community House.
📅 20 May, Bendigo – 10am to 3pm at Bendigo Family & Financial Services Inc.
📅 21 May, Castlemaine – 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Mount Alexander Shire Council building in the Ray Bradford Room, 33 Forest St.

Thanks to everyone who attended our North East Water price review public forum in Wodonga. It was valuable to hear your feedback on our draft pricing decision.

While in town, we took the opportunity to tour the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant where recent upgrades have boosted sustainability and reduced operating costs.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Melbourne Water price review public forum yesterday. The forum discussed our draft decision on how much Melbourne Water can charge for water, sewerage, waterways and drainage services over the next five years, starting 1 July 2026.

There’s still time to provide feedback on our draft decision. Submissions close Friday 1 May 2026.

Draft decision: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/water/water-prices-tariffs-and-special-drainage/water-price-reviews/water-price-review-2026/melbourne-water-price-review-2026
Share feedback: https://engage.vic.gov.au/water-price-review-2026

We have worked with electricity distributors and the Victorian housing development industry to streamline regulatory reporting on connecting new housing developments to the electricity network.

The streamlined reporting makes it easier for Victorians and the development industry to access information on new housing development connections.

The new reporting dashboard is available on our website: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/victorian-energy-market-reporting-hub/greenfields-negotiated-electricity-connection-standards-2026-2028