A victim of family violence is one of 103 Victorians who had their power wrongfully cut by energy companies in the past 12 months.
The Victorian Energy Market report was released on Tuesday by the Essential Services Commission, which showed an increasing number of consumers struggling to pay their bills.
The average number of customers accessing assistance each month in 2022/23 has increased by 10 per cent for gas and three per cent for electricity, compared to the monthly average in 2021/22.
There were 65,584 residential electricity customers on tailored bill assistance at December 31, 2022.
Commissioner Kate Symons said due to the rising cost of living, it was important energy companies that don't play by the rules are punished.
"Where the commission sees non-compliance with the rules, it will not hesitate to take strong action," she said in a statement.
Alinta Energy paid more than $380,000 in penalty notices to the Energy Services Commission for an alleged failure to provide adequate support for customers experiencing payment difficulties.
It is alleged Alinta Energy required four customers to speak to a financial counsellor before it provided assistance.
Mojo Power East Pty Ltd and QEnergy Ltd recently paid more than $180,000 in penalty notices for allegedly charging relevant customers higher prices than the Victorian Default Offer.
Momentum Energy also accepted a court enforceable undertaking following allegations it unlawfully disconnected electricity to the home of a family violence victim experiencing financial difficulties.
Ms Symons said the commission would continue to closely monitor disconnection trends and engage directly with retailers.
"(We) encourage customers experiencing payment difficulties to engage with their retailers and for retailers to work with their customers to help manage their energy debt," she said.
