Victorians can look forward to fairer dealing by the state's energy retailers under new rules that will force the companies to alert customers to better plans that would save them money.
The changes are the result of an independent review of the state's retail electricity and gas markets commissioned by the Essential Services Commission.
"The new rules hold energy retailers responsible for rebuilding consumers' trust and confidence in the retail energy market," ESC chair Ron Ben-David said, calling it a game-changer.
Under the rules to come into effect from July 1, the companies must:
* Tell customers whether they're on the retailer's best energy plan and how much could be saved by switching to that plan (best offer message), at least quarterly for electricity bills and at least every four months for gas bills;
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* Give customers at least five days warning before making changes that will affect the customer's bill;
* Provide clear and helpful advice about the retailer's best energy plan before signing a customer on to a new energy deal.
The prices must also include GST.
