Date: 16 April 2026
People who use life support equipment in their home have certain protections under regulation by both the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) (national) and the Essential Services Commission (ESC) (Victoria). However, there are currently no mechanisms for energy providers to differentiate user’s criticality in the event of power outages.
A rule change proposal resulted in the AEMC and ESC proceeding with concurrent consultations with a shared view that regulation should be consistent across jurisdictions. This includes standardisation of processes and documentation providing medical confirmation of a life support customers status.
RACGP’s responses provide broad support for the measures outlined in both draft determinations/decisions, noting that through prior consultation the RACGP’s key advocacy items have been achieved.
Read the submissions
RACGP response - ESC Draft Decision - Better Protections for Life Support Customers in Victoria (PDF)
RACGP response - AEMC Draft determination - National Energy Retail Amendment (PDF)