Victoria’s energy safety framework is being updated with new legislation aimed at improving enforcement, reducing risks, and adapting to a rapidly changing energy system.
The Energy and Land Legislation Amendment (Energy Safety) Bill 2025 has officially passed, giving the state’s independent energy safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), expanded powers to keep homes, businesses, and workers safe.
The new legislation amends the Electricity Safety Act, Gas Safety Act, and Pipelines Act, introducing updated enforcement tools, including:
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A new power for ESV officers to enter premises with a magistrate-issued warrant, improving the ability to investigate serious safety concerns.
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Expanded powers to suspend licences or stop unsafe work in the public interest.
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Increased penalties for serious safety violations — up to $48,000 for individuals and $240,000 for companies — for offences such as knowingly installing unsafe equipment or modifying gas appliances in a way that risks carbon monoxide exposure.
These reforms come as Victoria moves toward a renewable energy future, targeting 95% renewable energy by 2035. With new technologies like solar, batteries, and electric vehicles becoming more common, the state is also conducting a comprehensive Energy Safety Review to ensure safety regulations remain fit for purpose.
The review considers all energy products and systems that generate, store, transmit, or distribute energy, with a strong focus on preventing harm, including injury, death, or property damage. Public consultation is now open via engage.vic.gov.au/energy-safety-review.
In addition, from 1 July 2025, the state will remove the requirement for the Essential Services Commission to set a minimum feed-in tariff, aligning Victoria with other Australian states.