Synergy SmartPower rewards customers who are able to shift more of their energy use to off-peak periods and weekends. By using power in these cheaper time periods, you can save on your electricity bill. Quite simply, the more you shift, the more you can save. To take advantage of the variable SmartPower rates, all you need is a SmartPower compatible meter.

With SmartPower, there are four different periods of time when electricity costs vary; peak, off-peak, weekday shoulder and weekend shoulder. See the graphs below for the details.

The SmartPower meter records the amount of consumption and the period of time when your electricity is used. The rate applicable during that time-of-use period is then charged, instead of the usual flat rate of 21.87 cents/kWh. A supply charge of 40.14 cents per day applies.

SmartPower rates are lower than the current standard residential A1 price between 9pm and 7am weekdays and all weekend.

*All prices quoted below include GST and are effective as at 1 July 2011. Prices and time periods are subject to change at any time. SmartPower and Synergy SmartPower are registered trademarks of Electricity Retail Corporation trading as Synergy.

1. Weekends all year round

2. Summer (October to March) Weekdays

3. Winter (April to September) Weekdays

SmartPower meter installation prices

The charges for installing a SmartPower meter in new and existing homes are detailed below. For customers building a new home where electricity has not been connected, please discuss the best type of meter for your electricity use with your electrical contractor or builder to make sure they install the most suitable meter for your needs. Your SmartPower meter installation or programming fee will be charged in full on your next Synergy bill.

Existing home meter prices¹

SmartPower Single Phase 240V Meter $176.15
SmartPower Three Phase 415V Meter $276.00
Program existing Electronic Time of Use Meter to SmartPower² $66.00

New home³ meter prices

SmartPower Single Phase 240V Meter $66.00
SmartPower Three Phase 415V Meter $66.00

¹All prices quoted include GST and are effective 1st July 2011.
Prices subject to change at any time.
²Applies to electronic meters with time of use capability that are already installed in an existing home.
³Applies when you are building a new home and electricity has not been connected.
A SmartPower meter is not transferable to any other property. The meter stays where it is installed even if the customer sells the property and/or moves. The SmartPower meter always remains the property of the network operator, Western Power.

The amount you save with SmartPower depends on your ability to shift as much of your electricity usage as possible to the cheaper SmartPower periods.

SmartPower can help you reduce your electricity bill if you're not at home using electricity during the day on weekdays, or if you can shift your usage to between 9pm and 7am weekdays or to anytime on the weekend. You can use these and other appliances in off-peak periods to save you money:

• Electric water heaters* 
• Reticulation bore pumps* 
• Swimming pool pumps* 
• Washing machines 
• Clothes dryers 
• Dishwashers 
• Bread makers

*You may need to have a timer fitted by a licensed electrician for these appliances.

Once your new meter is installed, almost every appliance in your home can take advantage of SmartPower savings. You just have to be smart about when you use them.

To help you shift your usage and benefit from the cheaper rates:

• Manually switch appliances on or off at the best times 
• Use timers already fitted to appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and swimming pool pumps 
• Look for models with built-in timers when buying new appliances 
• Install simple plug-in timers.

You can switch to SmartPower right now and start saving. It only takes a few moments to complete this online application form.