Full Retail Contestability FAQ

What is full retail contestability (FRC)?

Full Retail Contestability means that all electricity and gas customers are able to choose their retailers in a fully deregulated energy market.

What are the dates for gas full retail contestability?

The Victorian gas market became fully contestable on 1 October 2002.

Is gas FRC only within Victoria, or is it Australia-wide?

Gas FRC took place within Victoria. Gas FRC commenced with operational systems in New South Wales on 1 January 2002.

What is a MIRN?

MIRN stands for Metering Identification Registration Number. This is a unique number that identifies the supply point as defined in the Victorian Gas Industry Act (equivalent to National Metering Identifier (NMI) in the Electricity Industry).

What happens to customers that do not sign a market based retail contract?

Customers who choose not to enter a contract with a retailer remain on the rates and terms with their existing or host retailer. Retailers can continue to decide the best contract offers to make to their customers. Other retailers may make market offers to potential new customers through telemarketing or mailout campaigns.

If I decide to change my retailer, what else will change?

If you decide to change your retailer, only the company who manages your bills and provides customer services will change. The pipes that provide your premise with continue to be managed and maintained by your distributor.

What is VENCorp?

The Victorian Energy Networks Corporation (VENCorp) is the major State Government-owned entity in Victoria's privatised energy industry. It is funded by energy industry participants and has major operational, planning and development roles for gas and electricity. VENCorp is:

VENCorp also has operational and communications responsibilities during gas and electricity emergencies. For gas FRC, VENCorp's role is to provide an effective infrastructure for the efficient operation of the gas transmission system and the competitive wholesale gas market.

What is the Essential Services Commission (ESC)?

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) was established under the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 and commenced operations on 1 January 2002. The ESC subsumed the role of the Office of the Regulator-General, Victoria. The primary objective of the ESC is to protect the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with regard to the price, quality and reliability of essential services