Victoria's energy regulator calls for submissions on Telstra Energy licence application

The Essential Services Commission is assessing an application from Telstra Energy (Retail) for a licence to sell electricity and a licence to sell gas to Victorian consumers.

In line with legislative requirements* and to facilitate a fair and open process in relation to a licence application that may have a significant impact for Victorian consumers, the commission is calling for feedback from the community through Engage Victoria.

Commission chair Kate Symons says the commission will assess whether the application is consistent with the objectives of relevant legislation and make its decision in due course.

“In deciding whether to grant or refuse a licence application, we must have regard to the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services,” she said.

In assessing the application, the commission must have regard to whether the applicant:

• has the technical capacity to comply with the conditions of licence, and
• is financially viable.

The commission also considers whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a Victorian electricity industry or gas industry licence.

As identified in the commission’s guide to licence applicants, all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the commission may request additional information to assist with its assessment.

Chair Symons says community feedback will help the commission understand what is important to consumers and all interested persons in relation to this decision.

“The commission is legislatively required to invite interested persons to make submissions to the commission in relation to applications for a licence.

“We are therefore seeking feedback on Telstra Energy’s application to assist us in making our decision,” she said.

Interested stakeholders can provide feedback via Engage Victoria either by leaving comments, completing a short survey or uploading a submission by 1 July 2021.

_{*Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic), Gas Industry Act 2001 (Vic), the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 (Vic).}