Ultimate Guide to Choosing Electricity Providers in Perth

The Western Australian energy market is a unique beast compared to other Australian states and territories. The state and its capital city, Perth, are highly remote and operate by a different set of rules due to the vast distances covered. This can make it hard to understand the assortment of electricity and gas providers that offer services to Perth residents and decipher precisely who is eligible for what. In some instances, energy consumers have choices between providers; in others, there may be only one option. 

It’s a lot to wrap your head around, but luckily, we’re here to help make sense of it all. In our comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about choosing a suitable gas or electricity provider in Perth—from developing an understanding of the complex WA energy market, including the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), to making an informed switch where possible. We’ll break down pricing and tariffs, retailers, networks, and more, giving you all the details you need to clarify your options regarding electricity providers in Perth.  

Please note that Econnex Comparison only offers quotes for Perth gas plans through our platform and does not currently offer Perth or Western Australia electricity plans. 

Understanding the WA Energy Market 

Western Australia is easily the largest of all Australian states, simultaneously with one of its smallest populations, and that brings a unique set of challenges for the provision of energy. The distances to be covered are vast, and the infrastructure needs to be built to last. As such, the electricity market within WA is broken into multiple regions, each with its own set of regulations and providers. Those regions are: 

• The South-  West Interconnected System 
• Pilbara Region 
• Kimberly Region 
• Goldfields-Esperance Region 
• Gascoyne and Mid-West Region. 

The city of Perth itself falls within the SWIS, so it’s worth exploring the particulars of that network more intimately.  

South West Interconnected System 

The South West Interconnected System, commonly known as SWIS, is crucial to Western Australia's energy infrastructure. Operated by Western Power (a Western Australian State Government-owned corporation), the SWIS covers the state’s most populated areas, extending from the southwest coast to as far north as Kalbarri. If you reside within this network, your options for selecting an electricity retailer may be limited, depending on factors such as your annual electricity consumption. It all depends on whether you qualify as a ‘Contestable’ or ‘Non-Contestable’ customer.  

• Contestable Customers - These are customers who have the freedom to choose their electricity retailer. To be classified as a contestable customer, you must live outside the SWIS or consume more than 50 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually. This category mainly includes businesses, as well as some high-use residential consumers. 
• Non-Contestable Customers - These consumers don't have the option to choose their electricity retailer, although they still have a limited selection of plans. You fall into this category if you live within the SWIS and use less than 50 MWh of electricity yearly. For context, the average household only uses approximately 7MWh of energy per year, meaning almost all residents in Perth are likely to be non-contestable customers. For these customers, Synergy (the retailer arm of Western Power) is the primary electricity supplier. 

Why Contestable vs Non-Contestable Matters for Electricity Providers in Perth 

Clarifying whether you are a contestable or non-contestable customer is the first step in navigating the electricity market in Perth. Your status as one or the other determines your options for choosing an electricity provider and, consequently, the rates you will pay. By understanding the intricacies of the SWIS and the customer categories, you can make more informed decisions when you compare electricity providers in Perth and select a retailer that best suits your needs if a choice is available. 

How Electricity Works for Non-Contestable Customers in Perth 

The Western Australian Government plays a significant role in regulating the electricity market for non-contestable customers. Unlike other states where prices in the energy market are largely deregulated, Western Australia maintains a regulated market to ensure uniform pricing and service quality. This regulation is essential for consumers within the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), where the majority of non-contestable customers reside. 

For these non-contestable customers, electricity prices are set by the Western Australian Government. This regulated pricing aims to ensure that all consumers, regardless of their location within the SWIS, pay a similar rate for electricity. The government's involvement in price-setting helps to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations and keeps electricity prices relatively stable. 

If you are a non-contestable customer within the SWIS, Synergy is likely your primary electricity provider. As a government-regulated entity, Synergy is responsible for supplying electricity at the rates set by the Western Australian Government. This ensures you won't be subject to price hikes based on market volatility. 

Check - Internet Providers in Your Area

How Electricity Works for Contestable Customers 

Unlike non-contestable customers, whom Synergy generally supplies at highly regulated prices, contestable customers have more freedom to choose from various electricity providers. However, it's essential to note that the Western Australian government still oversees the state’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) to ensure fair competition and pricing. Each provider may offer different plans, features, and incentives. It’s therefore crucial to compare these aspects carefully to choose the most cost-effective and suitable option for your needs. 

For contestable customers, including eligible businesses that use more than 50KWh of electricity annually, the following energy providers in Perth may offer a choice of plan: 

1. Advanced Energy Resources Retail 
2. Alinta Energy 
3. Amanda Energy 
4. A-Star Electricity 
5. Blue Star Energy 
6. Delorean Corporation Energy Retail Division 
7. Horizon Power 
8. Kleenheat 
9. Perth Energy 
10. Synergy 

Pricing, Tariffs and Supply Charges for Electricity Providers in Perth 

For non-contestable customers in Perth, including most households, electricity prices are regulated by the Western Australian Government. This means that Synergy, the primary supplier for these customers, may only charge energy rates that the state has predetermined and legislated. However, contestable customers, who have the freedom to choose their Perth electricity providers, may find that prices are influenced by market competition in addition to government oversight. 

As of the time of writing (October 2023), Synergy offers the following plans for residents and home businesses: 

Synergy Home Plan A1 Tariff 

• Supply Charge: 110.4600 cents per day 
• Electricity Charge: 30.8120 cents per day 

Synergy Midday Saver 

• Supply charge: 123.0000 cents per day 
• Everyday Super Off Peak Electricity Charge: 8.2000 cents per unit 
• Peak Electricity Charge: 51.2500 cents per unit 
• Everyday Off-Peak Electricity Charge: 22.5500 cents per unit 

Electric Vehicle Add-on 

• Supply Charge: 123.0000 cents per day 
• Peak Electricity Charge: 51.2500 cents per unit 
• Super Off Peak Electricity Charge: 8.2000 cents per unit 
• Overnight Electricity Charge: 18.4500 cents per unit 
• Off Peak Electricity Charge: 22.5500 cents per unit 

Home Business Plan (K1) Tariff 

• Supply Charge: 194.9200 cents per day 
• Electricity Charge - first 20 units per day: 32.1886 cents per unit 
• Electricity Charge - next 20 - 1,650 units per day: 30.3335 cents per unit 
• Electricity Charge - more than 1,650 units per day: 34.1999 cents per unit 

WA Government Subsidies and Grants in Perth’s Electricity Market 

The Western Australian Government often offers subsidies and grants to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs of installing solar panels or wind turbines, making it a more viable option for many households and businesses. Such incentive programs include: 

• Solar Buyback Schemes. Some programs allow you to sell excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid, offering an additional income stream. 
• Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebates. The government sometimes provides rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, which can help reduce your overall electricity consumption and, consequently, your bills. 

The Future of Electricity Providers in Perth 

One of the most significant shifts in the Australian energy sector is the growing focus on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Western Australia is known to contain abundant natural resources, making it an ideal location for renewable energy projects. As these technologies become more affordable and efficient, we can expect a significant portion of Perth's electricity to come from renewable sources. 

The adoption of smart grids and smart meters is another trend to watch. These technologies allow for more efficient electricity distribution and give consumers better control over their usage. As smart grids become more widespread, we can expect more dynamic pricing models that reward consumers for using electricity during off-peak hours. 

While the electricity market in Western Australia is currently tightly regulated, especially in the SWIS, there has been ongoing debate about the potential for further deregulation. If this occurs, it could introduce more energy retailer competition into the market, potentially driving down prices and offering consumers more choices. However, deregulation is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of its impact on consumers and providers alike. 

How to Switch Gas or Electricity Providers in Perth 

While Econnex Comparison doesn't currently offer electricity plans for the Western Australian market, we do provide a selection of gas plans for eligible customers. Customers can search their postcode on our intuitive platform to reveal applicable gas plans offered by our panel of retailers in their area. Moreover, if you find a plan that suits you, you can complete your application online from one platform. No sponsored products, advertisements or third-party links. It is just simple, unbiased comparison technology that puts the power of choice in your hands.