Energy Consumers Australia welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s review of the Victorian Default Offer (VDO).

The VDO was introduced in 2019 to safeguard disengaged consumers from unreasonably high retail electricity prices. We consider that the VDO has achieved this policy objective. Standing offers have reduced since the introduction of the VDO, while competition remains high for engaged Victorian consumers.

We do agree that there is room to improve consumer awareness and understanding of the reference price. In particular, we suggest targeted messaging be prepared noting the low literacy, digital and numeracy skills of a large proportion of our community.

The full submission can be read here.