The Government is committed to the efficient and effective regulation of the energy sector. As part of this commitment, the Government is conducting a review of the General Exemption Order (GEO) in the interests of energy consumers.

The GEO provides for exemptions from the requirement to hold an electricity licence for certain activities.

The GEO has not been substantially updated since 2002 and numerous changes have occurred in the energy market since this time.

The GEO review examines protections for consumers in 'embedded networks', typically found in apartment buildings, caravan parks and retirement villages.  The review explores matters such as customer choice, pricing, enforcement and dispute resolution, as well as clarity of the exemptions framework.  It also aims to establish a flexible yet robust authorising framework for alternative energy business models such as solar power purchase agreements and community energy projects. More broadly, the review seeks to ensure that the framework provides certainty for consumers as well as industry. 

An Issues Paper was released in June 2015 and 35 submissions were received in response. The General Exemption Order - Draft Position Paper has been prepared having regard to these submissions.  The Paper sets out a draft approach to the regulation of electricity licence exemptions going forward. It seeks feedback from Victorian energy consumers and industry on this approach and how to better enable innovative new technologies whilst safeguarding consumer rights in a rapidly evolving energy market.