Residents of Western Australia can't choose their electricity providers, but they can switch gas suppliers.
The energy market in Western Australia, unlike most Australian states, has not been fully deregulated. Two companies sell most of Western Australia's domestic electricity: Synergy and Horizon Power. The two providers sell energy at the same government-regulated price and service different areas of the state.
For gas, Western Australians now have three choices of provider: Alinta Energy, Kleenheat and AGL, who recently started operating in WA.
Who provides electricity in Western Australia?
The Western Australian electricity market is divided into the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and other areas. Homes do not have a choice of which company they receive their energy from, which will be decided by the location of their home.
- 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 one 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.
Who provides gas in Western Australia?
Consumers in Western Australia have had a choice of gas provider since 2013. The two providers, Kleenheat and Alinta, cannot charge above government regulated caps, but do charge competitively below that cap, so it's worth comparing the two.
Alinta and Kleenheat both service the same areas of the state, namely the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area, Albany, Mid-West and South-West.
Western Australia gas plans and providers
| Provider | Plans and prices | Features/benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Alinta Energy |
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| Kleenheat | Monthly smart saver plan
Standard form contract
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AGL gas plans in WA
AGL is a new player in the West Australian gas market. They offer three plans:
| Plans | Features | Discounts |
|---|---|---|
AGL Set and Forget™ |
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AGL Savers™ |
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AGL Fixed Rate |
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Will electricity prices in WA increase this year?
Electricity prices in Western Australia are set by the government and are likely to rise in 2017/18. This is due to rising wholesale electricity costs. Despite these increases, the actual cost of supplying electricity in Western Australia is still higher than the prices consumers pay. This difference is offset by government subsidies.
I have some more questions about WA energy
What if I can't pay my energy bills?
The Hardship Utility Grant Scheme is designed to help people in financial difficulty pay their utility bills.
Synergy and Horizon Power both have financial assistance schemes for customers struggling to pay their bills.
Concession card holders may be eligible for a range of rebates or other assistance measures.
What is GreenPower?
GreenPower is a government scheme that allows consumers to purchase renewable energy through their provider. Companies selling GreenPower need accreditation by the Australian government. Check out finder's GreenPower guide here.
What happens when I move to another state?
If you are moving out of Western Australia you will probably have to switch energy providers. In deregulated states like NSW or Victoria you will have more energy choices.
If your gas is supplied by Alinta Energy you may be able to stay with the company if moving to Victoria, NSW or South Australia.
What is a cooling-off period?
A cooling-off period is the time during which a customer can cancel an energy contract without any fee or penalty. In most cases the cooling-off period is 10 days.
What is a no lock-in contract?
No lock-in contracts allow you to switch providers freely without incurring a penalty or fee.
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