Retailers
Electricity consumers in Western Australia fall into two general categories: contestable and non-contestable customers. Contestable customers have a choice of electricity retailer, while non-contestable customers do not. The Economic Regulation Authority provides a list of all licenced electricity retailers in WA.
Non-contestable customers
Non-contestable customers are customers within the SWIS consuming less than or equal to 50 megawatt hours of electricity a year (an average of 137 units per day).
These customers are supplied by Synergy and pay electricity prices regulated by the WA Government as determined under electricity by-laws.
Residential households and small businesses usually fall within this category.
Contestable customers
Contestable customers are comsomers within the SWIS consuming more than 50 megawatt hours of electricity a year (an average of 137 units per day). These include
All customers outside of the SWIS are contestable and can choose their retailer. Customers should be aware that, at present, Horizon Power is the only retailer in many regional areas.
These customers can negotiate the rates they pay with their chosen retailer.
Customers consuming between 50 and 160 megawatt hours per year can choose to either pay the relevant capped rates offered by Synergy or be supplied by Synergy or another retailer at negotiated tariff rates.
Find out more
Economic Regulation Authority - provides detailed information about choosing a retailer and entering into a contract with a retailer