What are the current energy protections for Victorians?

Under the Energy Retail Code of Practice (ERCoP) in Victoria, if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, the Payment Difficulty Framework (PDF) gives you important protections. Electricity and gas retailers must help by providing:

• personalised assistance, including flexible payment options (like smaller payments or payment pauses) and
  agreeing to a payment plan you say you can afford if you’re behind on your bills
• information on concessions and government help (like the Utility Relief Grant), and
• tips on cheaper energy plans or ways to reduce your energy costs.

These are the minimum supports retailers must provide, but they can also go further by offering extra help, such as waiving debts, payment matching plans, or types of discounts to your bill. You can ask your retailer what additional payment difficulty assistance they can provide you.