Approach paper
17 April 2019
Issues paper
13 August 2019
Draft decision (customer service standards)
7 May 2020
Draft decision consultation closes
2 July 2020
Final decision (customer service standards)
16 November 2020
Code review
Continuing beyond 2020
We are reviewing our requirements for electricity distribution
We are reviewing the Electricity Distribution Code. The code sets out requirements for electricity distribution in Victoria and covers:
- protections for customers, such as when customers can be compensated for low reliability
- technical standards that govern the way electricity is supplied
- communication requirements, such as when distribution businesses are to contact customers before a planned outage
- certain process requirements, like new customer or generator connections.
The distribution of electricity is experiencing transformation and innovation. We seek to promote the long-term interests of Victorian customers in the way we regulate the distribution of electricity, and aim to ensure the energy rules remain fit for purpose.
Final decision: Customer service standards
We have released our final decision which seeks to:
- update how distributors communicate with their customers about planned outages
- modernise the guaranteed service level scheme
- introduce new reporting requirements for distributors.
Final decision: Technical standards
We have released the final decision, which is updating the code's technical standards.
Issues paper
This paper explores the issues regarding the Electricity Distribution Code. Submissions to the issues paper closed on 13 September 2019.
Approach paper
This paper set out our approach and timings to reviewing the Electricity Distribution Code.
What we're reviewing
We looked at technical standards in the code, such as voltage standards, harmonics, negative sequence and power factor.
We reviewed protections for customers in the code, such as the communication and information requirements for planned outages.
We have reviewed each of our energy codes to strengthen and clarify protections for life support customers.
We're working to ensure new property developments receive electricity connections within certain time frames.
A wider review of the code will explore how it may adapt to the transforming electricity sector.
Keep updated
The code has many different areas to consider. We are engaging with many different stakeholders as we consider the priority matters for review.
To receive direct updates and notifications, email edc.review@esc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Electricity Distribution Code Review Forum
In 2018, we held a public forum to introduce the Electricity Distribution Code review. We asked stakeholders to raise their areas of interest for review.
Victorian energy open forum
Our first forum for energy industry stakeholders on 27 August 2019 covered:
- the retail market review
- the Victorian Default Offer
- the Electricity Distribution Code review
- protections for life support customers.
27 August 2019
Access session summaries, related presentations and other useful resources from the forum.
Resources
Stakeholder submissions to the issues paper
Forums
Victorian rural public forums - customer service standards
Victorian energy open forum
Our first forum for energy industry stakeholders on 27 August 2019 covered the retail market review, the Victorian Default Offer, the Electricity Distribution Code review and protections for life support customers. Use this page to review summaries of each session and download related presentations and other useful resources.
Electricity Distribution Code review forum
Correspondence
Letter from commission chairperson Kate Symons to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, regarding the establishment of a working group, chaired by the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning.
Letter from the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, regarding the Electricity Distribution Code review.
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