Office of Energy Western Australia Introduction Page
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...lower cost, sustainable, reliable, secure energy for Western Australia’s future

NOTE:  Following the successful disaggreagtion of Western Power Corporation as of 1 April 2006, the Electricity Reform Implementation Unit has been disbanded.  This site remains active for historical reference only. 

For further and current information relating to the West Australian Electricity Industry, please visit the Office of Energy Website

Electricity Reform and Industry

The State Government has made significant progress in its plan to overhaul the State’s electricity market.  The overall aim is to put downward pressure on prices and provide better services by introducing competition into the State’s monopolistic electricity industry.

the electricity reform was pursued because Western Australia had amongst the highest prices for electricity in Australia and the least competitive electricity industry.

This was evidenced by:

  • No market for the sale of uncontracted electricity;
  • No significant entry of new generators or retailers;
  • No independent oversight of access arrangements and network charges; and
  • No incentive for Western Power to contract with other producers or customers.

The State Government’s electricity reform plan aimed to:

  • deliver competition and choice;
  • put downward pressure on electricity prices;
  • improve service standards;
  • promote economic growth; and
  • create thousands of new jobs.