Home >  Residential > Green Energy > NaturalPower

NaturalPower FAQs

What is NaturalPower?
What is renewable energy?
What is the National GreenPower Accreditation Program?
Why does NaturalPower cost more?
Why is choosing NaturalPower good for the environment?
How many options are there?
Will rebates still apply?
Can I be on NaturalPower if I have SmartPower or another tariff?
Can I have NaturalPower on a subsidiary meter?
How do you calculate how much NaturalPower I use?
If I decide to take NaturalPower, can I change my mind? 
What if I move address?
What happens if I change my tariff e.g. A1 to SmartPower (residential), or L1 to R1 (business)? 
 

What is NaturalPower?

NaturalPower is energy which has been generated from renewable sources with minimal impact on the environment.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is power generated from sources such as the wind, water (hydro electricity), sun (solar photovoltaic), and biomass (eg landfill gas from rubbish tips, or the burning of specially grown crops). Renewable energy has much less impact on the environment than the generation of traditional fossil fuel power, such as coal or gas, as little or no greenhouse gases are emitted.
 
NaturalPower is currently sourced from the Albany and Emu Downs wind farms in WA.

What is the National GreenPower Accreditation
Program?

The National GreenPower Accreditation Program is a government initiative that sets stringent environmental and reporting standards for renewable energy products offered by energy retailers such as Synergy. To achieve accreditation, Synergy has committed to:

• sourcing renewable energy from GreenPower approved generators for NaturalPower
• supporting the development of the renewable energy industry by sourcing NaturalPower from ‘new’ generators (commissioned after Jan 1, 1997)
• publicly report on NaturalPower customer numbers and sales
• subject NaturalPower to an independent annual audit
  

In effect, the GreenPower tick is your ‘proof’ that the product is contributing to a healthier environment. Please visit the the National GreenPower Accreditation Program website for more information.

Why does NaturalPower cost more?

NaturalPower costs more because, in general,  renewable energy is more expensive to produce. This emerging industry does not enjoy the same economies of scale as more established electricity generation methods, such as coal and gas.

Why is choosing NaturalPower good for the environment?

Put simply, greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming. Global warming occurs when there is a build up of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The gases trap the heat from the sun, much like a locked car on a hot day, leading to an increase in the earth's temperature. Just a one-degree rise in the Earth’s temperature can have a major impact upon life on this planet.
NaturalPower is sourced from renewable energy, which produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, by choosing NaturalPower you are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a healthier environment.

How many options are there?

You can choose from 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% NaturalPower – whichever best suits your budget.

Will rebates still apply?

Yes. Eligible customers will still receive their supply charge rebate, Dependent Child Rebate, and reduced fees.

Can I be on NaturalPower if I have SmartPower or another tariff?

Yes. NaturalPower can be used in conjunction with any existing Synergy tariff. However, it is not possible to purchase NaturalPower along with EarthFriendly or EasyGreen.

Can I have NaturalPower on a subsidiary meter?

No. Only main meters are eligible for NaturalPower. You may have a subsidiary meter if you live in a block of flats, caravan park, or other multi-tenant site. If you think NaturalPower would be acceptable for all tenants in the building, the best thing to do is approach your landlord or Body Corporate and bring it up with them.

How do you calculate how much NaturalPower I use?

Synergy's billing system takes your total metered consumption and splits this according to the percentage of NaturalPower that you have nominated. The NaturalPower portion is then charged at the standard price plus the premium, while the remainder is charged at the standard price. This will be itemised on your bill.

If I decide to take NaturalPower, can I change my mind?

Yes, you can cancel or amend your NaturalPower purchase by contacting us on 13 13 53. Your cancellation or amendment will be backdated to the first day of the billing period in which your cancellation was processed and no cancellation fees apply.

What if I move address?

You need to let us know if you would like to continue purchasing NaturalPower, so that we can transfer your NaturalPower agreement to your new address.

What happens if I change my tariff e.g. A1 to SmartPower?

When you change the tariff, make sure you let us know that you would like to continue purchasing NaturalPower.