| Australian Energy Regulator (AER) publishes approved Legacy Meter Replacement Plans |
Legacy Meter Replacement Plans (LMRPs)
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National Electricity Market (NEM) – distribution and retail |
The AER has published the approved LMRPs of distribution network companies as required under the National Electricity Rules (NER).
These plans are developed by distribution network companies in consultation with electricity retailers, metering coordinators and other stakeholders, and outline how legacy meters will be replaced with smart meters by 30 November 2030.
Electricity retailers are responsible for arranging for the replacement of legacy meters in accordance with the schedules in these plans.
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The LMRPs are effective from 1 December 2025.
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| Rule change to help energy consumers access concessions |
National Energy Retail Rules
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National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) jurisdictions – retail and consumer
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The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has made a final determination requiring energy retailers to help consumers access concessions and rebates on their energy bills.
The AEMC has also made recommendations for jurisdictions and Services Australia to take action on longer-term solutions, including automating concession applications.
Under the AEMC's final rule, energy retailers will be required to ask consumers about their eligibility for concessions and provide jurisdiction-specific information about what help is available whenever they sign up for an energy plan or switch to a new contract.
Australians who hold concession cards such as the Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card may be eligible for money off their energy bill, depending on where they live.
Currently, they must proactively tell their retailer they are eligible, a requirement many consumers are unaware of. While retailers already have an obligation to provide general information about concessions, the new rule requires them to provide more detailed, jurisdiction-specific information and actively ask about eligibility.
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The final rule changes will commence on 1 July 2026. |
| Final rule to help customers find better energy plans |
National Energy Retail Rules |
NECF jurisdictions – retail and consumer |
On 11 September 2025, the AEMC made a final rule which requires retailers to alert each customer of opportunities to save through switching to another plan in communications that accompany a bill.
The “better offer” message currently sits inside a customer’s energy bill. However, research shows nearly half of customers don’t always open their bill, meaning they may miss important details about how they can save.
Research and stakeholder feedback suggests that a more visible “better offer” message will encourage more customers to switch. Once a customer has decided on switching, the process is usually quick and straightforward.
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The final rule will come into effect on 30 December 2026.
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| National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Act 2025 (Vic) |
National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 (Vic) |
Victoria – electricity – generation, transmission and distribution |
The Act broadly expands VicGrid’s powers to plan, develop, and deliver electricity transmission infrastructure in Victoria as part of Victoria’s renewable energy transition strategy. Previously, VicGrid shared its role with AEMO. |
Royal assent was given to the Bill on 16 September 2025.
Certain provisions took effect the day after royal assent, whilst others are yet to commence.
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| Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Commercial and Industrial Solar, High Efficiency Motors and Other Matters) Regulations 2025 (Vic) |
Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations 2018 (Vic) |
Victoria – electricity – generation, transmission and distribution
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The Regulations:
- prescribe the installation of a commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic system to be a prescribed activity;
- make further provision with respect to payments by energy consumers in consideration for the installation or sale of certain products;
- include an additional efficiency level for high efficiency motors that may be installed as part of a prescribed activity;
- update the definition of residential premises to clarify the installation requirements and limits for certain activities by building classification; and
- make other minor and technical amendments.
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The Regulations came into force on 29 September 2025.
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| Changes to the Energy Retail Code of Practice |
Energy Retail Code of Practice (Vic) |
Victoria – electricity and gas – retail and consumer
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The Essential Services Commission made changes to Victoria’s energy rules on 30 September 2025 to ensure customers facing financial hardship get the best price and stay connected, and to tackle the energy market’s ‘loyalty tax’.
Under the changes to the Energy Retail Code of Practice, the minimum debt a consumer can be disconnected for increases from $300 to $1000 (from October 2026), and retailers must:
- move customers onto their cheapest plan if they are on payment difficulty support, or have been in debt for more than three months and owe more than $1,000 (from October 2026)
- ensure customers who have been on the same plan for more than four years are paying a reasonable price or move them onto a cheaper plan if they are not (from July 2026)
- offer payment methods other than direct debit for each plan (from October 2026)
- have effective processes available for customers to switch to their best offer (from October 2026)
- check if customers are eligible for concessions at key times (from October 2026)
- include the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria’s details on the front page of all energy bills to increase awareness of independent and free dispute resolution (from 1 February 2026).
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The rule changes take effect from February – October 2026. Please see column to the left for more information. |
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