Covid-19 business support

Can I use any unused Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset and apply that against one of my other Synergy Accounts?

You are unable to apply any unused offset amounts against a different Synergy account. Transfers can only be made if you are moving premises.

I’m not on an eligible (non-contestable) tariff, what assistance can I receive during this period?

Synergy understands that this is a challenging time for businesses. Although you're not eligible for the WA Government’s Small Business and Charity Group Electricity Tariff offset, we encourage you to contact us so we can assess your circumstances to see what assistance we can provide. 

What is the WA Government Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset?

The WA Government announced that they will provide electricity tariff assistance to eligible small business and charity groups on the C1, D1, K1, L1 and R1 tariffs to assist in mitigating the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19. As part of this, eligible customers received a one-off offset payment of $2,500 on 1 May 2020.

The account offset was displayed on your bill as the WA Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset.

On 5 February 2021, the State Government announced an additional one-off $500 account offset for eligible businesses who are supplied by Synergy under the L1, R1, C1, D1 or K1 tariff and consume less than 50MWh per annum. The amount will be added to eligible Synergy accounts from 15 February 2021.

Who was eligible for this account offset?

Small Business and Charity Group customers that were on an eligible tariff (either L1, R1, C1, D1 or K1) as of midnight 30 March 2020, received the $2,500 offset payment. Customers that applied to be on an eligible tariff after midnight on 30 March 2020, are not eligible for the one-off payment.

On 5 February 2021, the State Government announced an additional one-off $500 account offset for eligible businesses who are supplied by Synergy under the L1, R1, C1, D1 or K1 tariff and consume less than 50MWh per annum. The amount will be added to eligible Synergy accounts from 15 February 2021. Customers that applied to be on an eligible tariff after midnight on 2 February 2021, are not eligible for the one-off payment.

Can I get offset credits in my account refunded to my bank account?

Following the offset payment, some eligible customers' accounts were in credit. This credit will be carried forward and applied to future bills. Customers can not seek a “refund” of the surplus amount relating to the WA Government Small Business and Charity Group Electricity Tariff Offset if their account is in credit.

If the account holder closes their account and the Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset has not been fully applied to the account, any remaining balance will be returned to the WA Government and not refunded or cashed-out.

I currently receive my energy bill directly from my landlord as I am on a sub-meter. Am I eligible for the $500 payment?

For small businesses or charities that are not Synergy or Horizon customers, a process will be put in place to enable them to apply for the $500 offset. Further information on the process will be released when it is available on WA.gov.au

Will I get the offset if I have closed my account?

The WA Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset was only available only to non-contestable small business customers and charities with an active account with Synergy and receiving supply under an eligible tariff (either the L1, R1, C1, D1 or K1 tariff) effective as of midnight 30 March 2020.

If you've already closed your account, and are looking to re-open one, or you need further support, we encourage you to contact us so we can assess your circumstances.

I have been running a small business from home on an A1 tariff; can I claim the WA Small Business and Charity Offset?

If you're on an A1 tariff, which is a residential tariff, you unfortunately you were not ineligible for the Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset.

The Small Business and Charity Tariff Offset was only available to non-contestable eligible small business customers and charities with an active account with Synergy and receiving supply under an eligible tariff (either the L1, R1, C1, D1 or K1 tariff) effective as of midnight 30 March 2020.