Melbourne Council - Electricity & Gas Franchise Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Victoria 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Victoria

Overview

In Melbourne, Victoria, local councils do not typically set electricity or gas franchise tariff rates; those prices, network charges and retailer tariffs are regulated by state and national energy regulators, while councils manage local permits and wayleaves for infrastructure within council land. This guide explains the division of responsibility in the City of Melbourne area, how to raise complaints, and where to find official processes and contacts.

For residents, billing and network tariffs are resolved through state or national energy regulators rather than the council.

Who is responsible?

The City of Melbourne administers local permits, leases and access arrangements for infrastructure on council land, but it does not set retail or network pricing for electricity and gas; those functions sit with energy regulators and licensed distributors/retailers. For regulatory powers and consumer complaint pathways, see the state regulator referenced below[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no single "franchise rate" penalty regime listed on the cited regulator page; enforcement and penalties vary by instrument and regulator. Specific monetary fines for franchise-rate matters are not specified on the cited page[1]. Where conflicts arise about use of council land or unauthorized works, council bylaws or permits may impose penalties or require remedial works under local governance powers, but specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: state energy regulator for pricing and licensed distributors for network compliance; council enforcement for local permits and land access.
  • Complaint pathway: lodge an energy complaint with the state regulator or the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria for customer disputes.
  • Appeals and review: not specified on the cited page; review routes depend on the regulator or tribunal involved.
If you suspect unauthorized works on council land, report to council planning or infrastructure immediately.

Escalation, sanctions and common outcomes

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remedial works orders, removal of unauthorized infrastructure, compliance notices (where applicable) - specifics not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: typically begins with notice and remediation, then fines or legal action for continuing breaches - exact ranges not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The City of Melbourne publishes permits, leases and licence application forms for works on council land; for pricing or franchise matters there is no separate "franchise rate" application form published by the state regulator on the cited page. For local access, use the council permits or lease application pathways (see Help and Support / Resources below).

Action steps for residents and businesses

  • Check your bill and compare charges with retailer disclosures and your distributor's published network tariffs.
  • Contact your retailer first to seek explanation or correction of charges.
  • If unresolved, lodge a complaint with the state energy regulator or the energy ombudsman as appropriate.
  • For infrastructure on council land, contact City of Melbourne planning or infrastructure services to confirm permits or licences.
Keep billing records and correspondence when pursuing complaints or appeals.

FAQ

Who sets electricity and gas franchise rates in Melbourne?
State and national energy regulators and licensed distributors/retailers set tariffs; the City of Melbourne does not set retail or network rates.
Can the council change my energy bill?
No, the council cannot change regulated retail or network tariffs; the council can manage permits or access to council land where infrastructure is located.
Where do I complain about billing or network charges?
Start with your retailer, then escalate to the state energy regulator or the Energy and Water Ombudsman if unresolved.

How-To

  1. Gather copies of your electricity or gas bills and any relevant correspondence from your retailer.
  2. Contact your retailer's customer service and request an explanation or formal review of the charge.
  3. If unsatisfied, lodge a complaint with the state energy regulator or the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria, including copies of bills and correspondence.
  4. If the issue involves infrastructure on council land, contact City of Melbourne planning or infrastructure with details and permit references.

Key Takeaways

  • The City of Melbourne handles local permits and access but does not set retail or network energy rates.
  • Regulatory and complaint routes are with state energy regulators and the energy ombudsman.

Help and Support / Resources

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