Consultation opens for revocation of Electricity System Code

The state energy regulator is inviting feedback on proposed administrative changes on obligations and licence conditions for electricity transmission companies operating in Victoria.

The Essential Services Commission published a draft decision for consultation, proposing to revoke the Electricity System Code – a regulatory instrument established in 2000. The code contains obligations relating to Victorian electricity transmission and distribution businesses.

The proposed revocation of the code is the latest of the commission’s review of its energy codes, following a new enforcement framework: the Essential Services Commission (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Amendment Act 2021. The commission has previously remade the Energy Retail Code of Practice and the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice.

The aim of reviewing these codes is to streamline obligations and remove duplication among our instruments and national instruments where appropriate.

The proposal to revoke the Electricity System Code recognises that the obligations in the code are largely and primarily regulated through the national energy framework – the National Electricity Rules and National Electricity Law, which are administered by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

As part of the review, the commission proposes to update electricity transmission licences, simplify licence conditions, and remove inconsistencies.

Feedback on the draft decision can be submitted via Engage Victoria up until 5pm on 9 November 2023. A final decision is planned for December 2023.