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


Note this page has been retained for Historical reference only

One of the key components of the electricity reform agenda is the creation of four new State-owned businesses from the existing Western Power including:

  • Verve Energy, the Western Power Generation Business Unit responsible the production of electricity;
  • Western Power, the current Western Power Networks Business Unit responsible for the “poles and wires” that transmit and distribute electricity to customers;
  • Synergy, the Western Power Retail Business Unit that sells electricity to customers; and
  • Horizon Power, the Western Power Regional and Pilbara Business Unit that looks after the interests of regional consumers

Click below for more information on the new businesses:

  • Verve Energy;
  • Western Power;
  • Synergy: and
  • Horizon Power.

    This splitting of Western Power into four businesses is known as “disaggregation”.  Disaggregation does NOT mean privatisation.  The four new businesses will remain owned by the State Government so we can continue to ensure the safety, security and reliability of electricity supply.

    Consumer interests will be further protected by the establishment of a strong, independent regulatory system that includes an Energy Ombudsman to resolve disputes between customers and market participants and a Code of Conduct for the Supply of Electricity to Small Use Customers

    The restructure of Western Power is intended to encourage private sector investment in generation.  A huge benefit for the consumer, of private sector investment is that it enables the State to spend this money on hospitals, schools and other social infrastructure.  Under the current system, funding of about $100 million a year is needed for generation over the coming decade.

    In terms of the price you pay for electricity, the uniform tariff (or price cap) and all existing rebates will be retained. This means prices can come down, but cannot go above the Government approved tariff.