2023 Price changes

Most popular FAQs

Will there be changes to residential electricity prices?

Yes, the regulated residential tariff payable on the Synergy Home Plan (A1) will increase by 2.50% from 1 July 2023 and there will also be increases to some of the Standard Fees and Charges. Updated pricing will be included in bills issued to customers from 1 July 2023 onwards for supply on and from this date.|

The average residential electricity bill is $348* and the increase of 2.50% equates to $8.70 per bill or $52.20 per annum.

*Approximate only, based on the average consumption of a residential customer calculated using the current Home Plan (A1) regulated tariff. (July 2019). Amounts will vary for each customer depending on consumption.

Has the DEBS (Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme) buyback rate changed?

Yes. On 11 May 2023, the State Government announced that the DEBS buyback rates will change.

The new rates are:
              • Electricity net exported at peak times between 3pm and 9pm will earn 10c/kWh;
              • Electricity net exported at all other times will earn 2.25c/kWh.

These new rates will be effective 1 July 2023.

The DEBS buyback rates are reviewed each year by the State Government, just like other regulated electricity prices.

The rates apply to the first 50 units exported from a customer to the grid each day. This is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate daily, even in ideal conditions.

The DEBS buyback rates will be the same for the export from batteries as export from solar, recognising that batteries will be a growing component of our energy system.

Would roof-top solar reduce my bill?

You could save on your electricity costs if you have solar panels installed. How much you could save depends on your energy consumption. Unless you have a battery or storage device, the solar power you generate (which occurs during the day) also needs to be used during the day. So, if you’re using heavy appliances at night, your solar panels won’t help to power these, and you won’t be maximising your solar investment.

There are plenty of small changes you can make to better manage your energy usage. These changes could help you get more out of your solar panels. For example:

• Do your laundry during the day when your solar panels are receiving maximum sunlight, especially between 10am and 2pm.
• Keep energy usage to a minimum at night if possible.
• Use a slow-cooker to cook dinner during the day.
• Charge your phone, laptops and other devices during the day.

To find out how you can get the most out of your roof-top solar, see more tips here.

Why are these prices changing?

Regulated electricity tariffs are reviewed and determined by the State Government. They review changes to the costs of providing electricity and set the retail tariffs each year.

In unprecedented times like these, Synergy has tried to keep its costs as low as possible, to reduce financial stress on our customers. We are committed to helping our customers to better manage their energy use and offer a range of information, concession, and support services.

Other FAQs

When will price changes come into effect?

Changes to regulated electricity tariffs, fees, charges, and DEBS buyback rates are effective from 1 July 2023, subject to relevant legislation taking effect by that date.

See synergy.net.au/pricechanges for details on the changes.

Why does Synergy charge a paper bill fee?

Synergy incurs costs each time a paper bill is sent to a customer. We try to keep these costs as low as possible as they are passed onto customers unless you’re exempt. Customers can avoid this fee by switching to paperless billing.

You are exempt from the paper bill fee if you are;

• An eligible concession card holder
• A residential customer aged 65 years and over
• Currently identified as being in hardship

Why is there an Urgent Reconnection Fee?

Synergy incurs a cost when we urgently reconnect customers who have been disconnected. This year, there will be an increase to the urgent reconnection fee for WA households. Customers who request this service and are not exempt, will be charged $193.80. This reflects the charge Synergy incurs when delivering this service.

Urgent reconnections for customers who rely on life-support equipment at their property will continue to be provided free of charge. The urgent reconnection fee will apply if the customer requests an urgent reconnection but does not provide supporting documentation within 3 months.

More details about life support equipment and how you can register as a life support customer can be found here. Knowing about your medical equipment means we can advise the network operator, Western Power, so they can prioritise restoring the power your life-support equipment depends on.

To see if you’re eligible, and find out more about the process, you can read the Customer Charter Brochure here

Why do we now pay an over the counter fee?

There has been no increase to the over-the-counter fee of $2.10. Australia Post charges Synergy every time a customer pays their Synergy bill at post office. Customers can choose to avoid the over-the-counter fee by switching to Direct Debit. You are exempt from this over the counter fee if you are;

• An eligible concession card holder
• A residential customer aged 65 years and over
• Currently identified as being in hardship

Did the supply charges go up this year?

The fixed daily supply charge for the regulated residential tariff (A1) will increase by 2.50% from 1 July 2023.

How can I reduce my energy usage?

There are many ways you can reduce energy consumption in your home. Small energy saving habits such as only running your washing machine with a full load, stopping your dishwasher before the energy-intensive drying cycle or switching appliances off at the wall, could make a difference to your energy costs.

Synergy has a range of resources to help you understand and shape your energy use. See how your household’s energy usage compares to others using our clever Energy Tool, check out these handy energy saving tips, and don’t forget to follow our Energy Blog.

How can Synergy help me manage my bill?

Sometimes changes in your household, community and even global events can have an impact on your electricity use, your situation, and your income. We’re here to help make sure no one is left behind. Whether you need more time to pay your bill or you need some tips that could help reduce your bill, we’re here to provide the support you need.

For more information how Synergy is helping our customers, visit synergy.net.au/billhelp

I’m struggling to pay my bill, can Synergy help?

If you're struggling with financial hardship, we’re here to help. We have a range of financial support options that may be available to you, to help you stay connected and get back on track.

These include:

• Payment arrangements
• Assistance with HUGS Applications
• Keeping Connected Program
• Case Management

For more information on how we can support you, go to synergy.net.au/hardship