Find out how the energy market operates in Western Australia.
The energy market in Western Australia, unlike most Australian states, has not been fully deregulated and operates differently in certain parts of the state.
See how it works and compare providers below.
Essential facts about energy providers in Western Australia
- The energy market is split into two main regions, with each operating differently
- Your choice of providers depends on your location
- You may be able to save money by switching plans
Search and compare energy providers in Western Australia
How does the energy market work in WA?
The energy market in Western Australia is divided into two regions, each of which has its own set of regulations. While electricity customers will likely be limited to a single provider, most WA residents will have a choice of gas providers.
Electricity prices are regulated by the state government and gas prices are regulated in the major metropolitan areas, despite the market being fully contestable.
Electricity
Distributors
There are two main electricity distributors in WA, both of which are owned by the state government. These are:
- Western Power: Operates the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), which covers the area between Kalbarri, Albany and Kalgoorlie.
- Horizon Power: Covers the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) in the Pilbara region, as well as Esperance and more than 30 regional networks.
Retailers
While there are a number of electricity retailers in WA, most residential customers will be limited to a single provider. In the SWIS, non-contestable customers are supplied by Synergy and for customers outside the SWIS, Horizon Power is the only retail electricity provider.
Given that a non-contestable customer is one that uses less than 50 megawatt hours of electricity per year, this makes effectively every residential customer non-contestable and therefore limited to Synergy.
- Synergy. The energy provider for customers within the SWIS, Synergy is Western Australia's largest provider of gas and electricity. The company provides energy to more than 1 million residential, business and industrial customers in the state. It also generates its own power from a range of sources, including renewables and plays an active role in the Western Australian community.
- Horizon Power. Owned by the Western Australian state government, Horizon Power provides energy to residential customers outside the SWIS. Horizon Power is active in creating a more environmentally-friendly energy network and is working to generate more power from renewables and create a more efficient state.
Businesses in Western Australia may have the choice of the providers:
- Rottnest Island Authority
- Horizon Power
- Synergy
- Perth Energy
- Alinta
- Kleenheat
- AER Retail
- Amanda Energy
- Change Energy
Gas
Distributors
Like electricity, gas distributors are fixed depending on the region.
Retailers
Consumers in Western Australia have had a choice of gas provider since 2013. These are:
- AGL
- Alinta Energy
- Kleenheat
- Origin Energy
- Simply Energy
Electricity pricing in Western Australia
As with your choice of energy retailer, how much you pay for your electricity in Western Australia depends largely on where you live. Residents within the SWIS who use less than 50 megawatt-hours of electricity a year are subject to government-regulated energy rates. Most households will not use more than 50 megawatt-hours a year and as such fall into this category.
WA residents using more than 50 megawatt-hours a year or those who live outside the SWIS have the ability to choose their electricity retailer and potentially negotiate lower rates than set by the government.
Gas pricing in Western Australia
Gas pricing in Western Australia is regulated by the government, with a fixed cap preventing retailers from charging above a set price. Retailers can undercut this cap in an effort to beat out the competition though, so it's worth shopping around to ensure you get the best deal.
How can I switch gas providers?
While gas prices are regulated in most urban areas in WA, the market is fully contestable, meaning you can switch providers as you wish.
Switching providers is relatively easy and is simply a matter of:
- Finding a new energy provider
- Contacting the new provider to arrange the switch
Your energy flow should not be interrupted during the switching process, but you should always contact your old and new providers if you have any concerns.
What to keep in mind when switching gas providers
While you may be able to save money by switching, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure you actually get a better deal.
- Tariffs. Tariffs can be divided into a supply charge, which is the service fee for using the network, and a rates charge, which is based on usage. Different providers will have different tariffs, so it's important to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Customer service. Extra competition has improved the customer service of many providers and this is something to keep in mind when switching.
- Discounts. While gas prices are regulated in WA, providers may offer special deals or discounts to get you to switch.
- Termination fees. Some energy providers charge a fee when you terminate a contract before the end period. Early termination fees generally range from $40 to $100 and must be specified in your contract.
- Contract terms. When shopping for energy, check the contract terms carefully. For example, many providers automatically roll over your contract when it expires, which can be convenient but may come with higher charges.
How is it that I used less power this bill compared to the last bill and yet my bill is double to the first. I am with Synergy.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
I suggest that you clarify this directly with Synergy to get a direct answer as we do not represent any of the providers on our page.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
Why do we have to pay a supply charge of over $50.00 isn’t this amount a bit over the top.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for your question.
I would like to confirm, are you referring to usage charge? Usage charge is the additional charge that depends on how much power you actually use and it is measured in cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh). It is sometimes called a ‘variable charge’ or ‘consumption charge’ and will vary from month to month. If your consumptions is low, the charges may be lower than $50.
You may have to directly reach out to your provider to confirm their rate for usage charges.
Cheers,
Anndy
I was told that if I switch to Kleenheat because you were recommended to me or I have been referred by a kleenheat customer that I will receive an ongoing 20% discount on my bills, is that correct ?
Hi F Latham,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You maybe eligible for the 20% discount. For confirmation, It would be best to speak with Kleenheat directly you may contact them here 13 13 51 and 13 13 52
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
I am a resident in Perth WA. What alternatives are there for residential electricity providers, outside of Synergy? Is synergy only option? Am looking for cheaper alternatives.
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for your inquiry.
There is also Horizon Power. Owned by the Western Australian state government, Horizon Power provides energy to residential customers outside the SWIS. Horizon Power is active in creating a more environmentally friendly energy network and is working to generate more power from renewables and create a more efficient state.
Cheers,
Rench
Can you have pay-as-you-go system in your gas and electrical bills, like the one they have in London?
Hi Bockarie!
You can shop around with our list of energy and gas suppliers on this page.
You may also leave your information on the Enquiry Form on the same page, so that an energy broker will discuss your options.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan