Q: What is SmartPower?- SmartPower allows you to take advantage of variable electricity rates, depending on the time of use, and rewards customers that 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 - the more you shift, the more money you can save.
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Q: What is the difference between SmartPower and A1?- SmartPower is a tariff that charges your power use at variable rates, depending on what day of the week and time of the day it is used. SmartPower makes it cheaper to use power during off-peak periods, between 9pm and 7am weekdays, or anytime on the weekend.
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Q: Why has Synergy introduced SmartPower?A growing population living a modern lifestyle creates a large demand for power during peak times. If there are too many users drawing power at the same time, it can lead to disruption in your power supply.
So, to make your service as reliable as possible, we have created SmartPower as an incentive to use power when overall demand is low. SmartPower offers cheaper power rates during off-peak times, saving you money and helping to improve the reliability of WA's power supply.
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Q: Why should I switch to SmartPower?- By choosing SmartPower you can save money by shifting some of your power use to different times of the day or week. SmartPower may not be right for you - for instance if you are often home using power on weekdays during peak periods, your situation might be better suited to an A1 tariff.
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Q: What information do I need to switch to SmartPower?Firstly, you need to find out if your property has a compatible digital or SmartPower electronic meter, or if you will need one installed. You should also consider the way you use power, and if SmartPower's cheaper off-peak periods will cater to your power needs.
When you are ready to join SmartPower, and you are certain you have a compatible meter, complete this online application and we will arrange for your meter to be re-programmed. A re-programming fee of $66 will appear on your next bill.
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Q: What if I do not have a SmartPower compatible meter?Most recently built homes have a compatible meter that can be re-programmed to suit SmartPower at a cost of $66. Otherwise, you need to have a Synergy SmartPower meter installed. There are two types of SmartPower meters which you can choose from.
If you have a small to medium sized home, up to 2 bedrooms, with very few appliances you probably need a single phase meter.
If you have a large home, 3 or more bedrooms, with appliances such as underfloor heating, air conditioning, or a pool pump, you probably need a 3 phase meter.
If you are unsure which meter is best for you, please contact an electrician.
The two SmartPower meter options and installation costs are shown below. When you are ready to request a new SmartPower meter, contact us to arrange installation at your home.
SmartPower meter installation costs:
Single phase for an existing home: $176.15
Three phase for an existing home: $268.00
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Q: Am I locked-into SmartPower for a period of time?- Not at all, there are no contracts so you can return to a flat rate A1 tariff at any time. Just keep in mind there is a $66 meter re-programming charge when you switch. Contact us any time to change over.
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Q: Will SmartPower save me money?- It can, but it all depends on how much of your power usage you can shift to cheaper SmartPower periods. You should consider your energy needs and habits, before deciding to switch to SmartPower.
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Q: Can I switch back to A1?- Yes, you can change back to A1 any time you like by contacting us. A $66 meter re-programming charge applies, to be included on your next bill.
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Q: Will my meter be removed if I decide to revert to flat pricing?- No, your meter will remain where it is, but it will need to be re-programmed. This keeps your options open in case you decide to switch back to SmartPower down the track. There is a $66 re-programming fee each time you switch between SmartPower and A1 flat rate pricing.
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Q: How will SmartPower appear on my bill?With SmartPower, your meter records the amount of power you use, and when you use it. Your SmartPower bill separates your energy use into 4 different periods of the day - peak, off-peak, weekday shoulder and weekend shoulder - and charges your usage during these time periods at different rates. Take a look at this example.
If you're on the A1 tariff your bill will show a single amount of power usage, charged at one flat rate.
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Q: Do you have any tips for saving money with SmartPower?- You can save money by shifting your power usage to off-peak times between 9pm and 7am weekdays, or to anytime on the weekend. There are some great money saving tips, right here on our website.
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Q: I am on a green energy option, how will SmartPower affect me?- You will stay signed-up to the green energy option, whether it is NaturalPower, EarthFriendly or EasyGreen. But it means that instead of paying the premium on top of the A1 flat rate, the same premium will now be added to the applicable SmartPower variable rates.
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Q: I am currently on A1 and REBS - how does switching to SmartPower affect me?- We buy at a flat buyback rate of 7c kWh for residential customers. If you’re on a green energy option, our payment to you doesn’t include the premium.
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Q: How do I know if I am on 'time-of-use' pricing?You can check your bill to see if you are on a 'time-of-use' tariff. Your tariff is shown on the back of your bill, under Usage Calculations, and if it is listed as SM1 (SmartPower), B1, R1, R3, S1 or T1, you are on 'time-of-use' pricing.
If you are on 'time-of-use' pricing, you should also be using a compatible meter, such as a Synergy SmartPower meter. These meters measure both the energy you use, and what time of the day you are using it.
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Q: Who do I contact for more information about SmartPower?- If your questions are not answered in these FAQs, or the SmartPower section of this website simply contact us and we will be happy to help.
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