The Cook Government has taken a significant step in fulfilling its commitment to supporting Western Australians with the delivery of the first instalment of the Household Electricity Credit. Starting today, a minimum credit of $200 is being applied to household electricity bills across the state, offering much-needed relief to families and businesses grappling with rising living expenses.
Announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, the $400 Household Electricity Credit will be distributed to every household in two instalments, with additional assistance available for those facing the greatest hardship.
“We know many WA families are doing it tough with recent interest rate rises and cost of living pressures, that’s why my Government is proud to help by providing relief on electricity bills,” stated Roger Cook.
Synergy and Horizon Power electricity accounts have already been credited with $200, resulting in reduced power bills during the July-August billing cycle. A second instalment of the credit will be provided in the November-December billing cycle, offering an additional minimum of $200 off power bills.
To further aid those facing financial hardship and stabilise the energy system, the Cook Government is providing free electricity during off-peak times through the new Community Energy program. Eligible Synergy customers experiencing ongoing financial difficulties will receive free electricity between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Under the program, eligible hardship households will receive 10 units of zero-cost electricity during off-peak hours, equivalent to around three-quarters of the average daily household usage.
“Alongside our $400 Household Electricity Credit and measures like the two-zone public transport fare cap, this is just another way we are helping to ease cost of living pressures for Western Australians,” emphasized Roger Cook.
By maximising the program’s benefits, participants can save between $200 to $500 annually, in addition to the savings from the State Government’s Household Electricity Credit, which can amount to up to $826 per year for eligible hardship customers.
The Community Energy program not only supports individuals in financial distress but also promotes system stability by encouraging customers to shift their electricity usage away from evening peak times to the midday period when household consumption is traditionally lower.
Moreover, Community Energy provides an alternative to solar panels, enabling more Western Australians to access the advantages of affordable daytime electricity.
To be eligible for the program, customers experiencing financial hardship must possess an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter and not have solar panels installed on their property. For assistance, individuals can contact Synergy at 13 13 53.
