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Connecting a Newly Built Business

Where do I start?

By getting involved in the electricity connection process early on, you'll gain a better understanding of your energy needs and options, plus you can be confident that you're signed up for the most appropriate electricity product.

If you will be using more than 50 megawatt hours per annum (approximately $8,000 each year), please contact Synergy on 1300 859 333 and we will work with you to  tailor the best energy solution for your business.

If you will be using less than 50 megawatt hours per annum (approximately $8,000 each year),  please contact our dedicated New Connections Team on 13 13 53 to arrange an energy solution suitable for your business.

Before this happens you may need to discuss the following topics with your builder at your pre-start meeting: 

Decide on your electricity and meter needs

Before making your application, decide whether you wish to purchase NaturalPower or whether a single-phase or three-phase meter is required.  

Be clear about your address and personal details

Make sure that you and your licensed electrical contractor use the same address details on any correspondence with Western Power Networks.

Delays sometimes occur when the contractor uses a lot number and you use a street number, or if your business is on a corner and different street names are used. To avoid any confusion please provide both a lot and street number.  

Also be clear about what name the account is to be opened in. Please refer to the section below on what information you need to provide.

Submit the paperwork

Once your electrical contractor or builder has all of these details, they will submit the following documents to Synergy:

• The First Notice, advising that electrical work is to commence, along with your Synergy Reference Number and;
  
• The Final Notice which is submitted on completion to advise that the work has been completed.

Provide access for inspection

Before Western Power networks can connect your power, they may need to access your premises to carry out a safety inspection. To help them out, please make sure the lot number or other means of identification, can be easily seen from the street.  

Delays will occur if this inspection finds that the electrical work does not meet current requirements. If this happens they will issue an Inspector's Order. The licensed electrical contractor responsible for the installation must then rectify the listed defects, sign the Inspector's Order and return it to Western Power networks. A follow-up safety inspection must be carried out before the electricity can be connected.

What information do I need to provide to Synergy?

To open your new business account, you'll need to give us the following details:

• a name for your account - please provide your company name and/or your trading name,
• your ACN(Australian Company Number) if your business is registered, or your ABN (Australian Business Number) if not registered,
• the name of the company's directors or owners,
• the residential address, date of birth and contact numbers of the company's directors or owners,
• the name of the person making the application,
• the business contact name and phone number, and
• the mailing address for Synergy correspondence.

To arrange your connection, just call us on 13 13 53 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and we’ll organise it on the spot.

Alternatively, you can print out the Connect brochure, complete and return the business application form included in the brochure.

If you are wanting to connect multiple units, then you will need to complete the Multiple-Unit application form.

It is also a good idea to let Synergy know if you already have an existing account for another premise. This way we can link your accounts to make any future dealings simpler. If you have an existing account please provide the corresponding bill account number.

When will my power be connected?

Upon receiving the 'Final Notice' from your electrical contractor - as long as your property passes the safety inspection, Synergy guarantees your connection will be completed within the following times:

• Metro area: 3-5 days
• Country areas: 5-7 days

If an Inspector's Order has been issued, this timing will start from the day the inspection order is returned to Synergy.

How much will it cost?

To open a new business account a non-refundable account establishment fee must be paid. This charge will appear on the first account we send you.  The fees Synergy charges are all listed on our Prices and Fees page.

There may be additional charges if a Western Power crew attends during the connection.  Please discuss this with your electrical contractor or visit www.westernpower.com.au for further details.