The new electricity market has been designed to deliver better prices and service, while safeguarding the interests of householders and small energy users.

Initially, the average consumer in the South West Interconnected System – generally, those in Perth and the south-west - will notice little difference although electricity bills will arrive from Synergy (the new name for the retail business of Western Power). State Networks, which will retain the Western Power brand name, will be responsible for repairing power lines and reading meters.

As competition kicks in (and Synergy accesses cheaper power), prices will be able to fall. However, the State Government is has made a commitment that residential and small business tariffs will not increase until at least 2009. This eliminates the risk of price increases as seen in some other States.

Outside of the South West Interconnected System, customers will receive their statements from the new Regional Power entity, Horizon Power.

A number of consumer protection measures have been introduced, including:

• an Energy Ombudsman to handle complaints;
• a Customer Service Code to specify levels of service;
• an electricity licensing regime; and
• retention of existing Government energy concessions.

Click here for further information on customer protection measures.