This policy gives regulated businesses and other stakeholders information on our approach to compliance and enforcement in the sectors we regulate and administer.
Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Overview
This policy outlines our approach to compliance and enforcement in the energy, water, transport and local government sectors, and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
It explains our:
- role and objectives
- compliance and enforcement roles, powers and pathways
- reporting on compliance and enforcement.
The original policy took effect on 22 July 2016. It applies to our full suite of enforcement powers as updated by the following resources:
| Legislative resource | How this resource affected our regulatory role |
|---|---|
| Essential Services Commission (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill 2021 | Amendments that took effect during December 2021 and March 2022 gave us a broader range of enforcement options in the energy sector, including penalty notices, civil litigation or criminal prosecution. |
| Energy Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2015 | On 1 January 2016, the Act gave us:
|
| Essential Services Commission (Energy Industry Penalty Regime) Regulations 2016 | The regulations commenced on 1 June 2016 and set out when we can issue penalty notices to energy businesses. |