Notice of Victorian Default Offer 2026-27 Price Determination

The Essential Services Commission (commission) gives notice under section 35(2) of the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 (Vic) (ESC Act) that it has made a price determination under section 33 of the ESC Act as required by clause 10 of the Order in Council made under section 13 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) (EI Act) and published in Victorian Government Gazette No. S208 on 30 May 2019 (as amended) (the Order).

The determination is in respect of the tariffs which persons licenced to sell electricity in Victoria (retailers) may charge prescribed customers during the applicable regulatory period under a standing offer under section 35 of the EI Act, or the manner in which such tariffs are to be determined or calculated.

The determination takes effect on 1 July 2026. The applicable regulatory period is 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

The determination determines the following for each electricity distribution zone in Victoria for the applicable regulatory period:

• the flat tariffs a retailer must charge a prescribed customer under a VDO flat tariff standing offer referred to in clause 3.1 of the price determination;
• the two and three-period time of use tariffs (being non-flat tariffs) a retailer must charge a prescribed customer under a two or three-period time of use tariff standing offer referred to in clause 4.1 and clause 4.3 of the price determination; and
• the VDO compliant maximum annual bill amount that a prescribed customer is to pay under all other standing offers (non-standard standing offers).

The determination gives effect to the objective of the Order, which is to provide a simple, trusted and reasonably priced electricity option that safeguards consumers who are unable and unwilling to engage in the electricity retail market.

The determination and accompanying final decision paper (which sets out the approach, methodology and reasons that support the making of the determination), are available on the commission’s website located at https://www.esc.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, copies may be obtained by calling the commission on 1300 664 969.