Households in Western Australia (WA) are in for a pleasant surprise. The state government is giving them a $350 electricity credit for their power bills. This is part of a big energy relief program to help with the high cost of living.
The first part of this credit will show up in power bills in July and August. This will give WA households much-needed relief. The second part will come in December and January, making the total credit $700 per household. This is a big help for those struggling with high energy prices.
Summary at a Glance
- Western Australian households will receive a $700 electricity credit in two $350 instalments.
- The first $350 credit will be applied to power bills during the July/August 2024 billing cycle.
- The second $350 credit will be applied in the December/January 2024-25 billing cycle.
- The electricity credit is part of a broader energy relief program to assist WA residents with rising living costs.
- Eligible households must claim the credit before the deadline to receive the full $700 benefit.
WA Household Electricity Credit Scheme
The WA Household Electricity Credit Scheme is a partnership between the Western Australian State Government and the Commonwealth Government. It aims to help with the rising cost of living. Eligible households can get a combined credit of $700 to help with their electricity bills.
Combined State and Commonwealth Support
The $700 credit comes from two sources. The Western Australian State Government contributes $400, and the Commonwealth Government adds $300 from the Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension. This support is meant to help households across the state financially.
Purpose of the Credit Relief Program
The main aim of the WA Household Electricity Credit Scheme is to offer WA cost of living relief to eligible households. The credit is applied directly to electricity accounts. This helps ease the financial pressure from rising WA household energy concession costs, making it easier for families to manage their expenses.
Total Benefit Value for Households
The total credit for households is $700, split into two $350 installments. This financial help is expected to greatly benefit eligible Western Australian households facing increased living costs.
“This combined $700 credit aims to ease cost of living pressures for eligible households.”
Western Australia $350 Electricity Credit: Second Installation Details
Western Australian homes are getting a second $350 electricity credit. This is thanks to the WA Labor Government and the Albanese Labor Government. They want to help families who are finding it hard to pay for living costs.
The $350 will be added to accounts of Synergy and Horizon Power customers from 7 December 2024. To get this, homes must have an active account with Synergy or Horizon Power by 18 November 2024. So, no extra forms are needed for eligible households.
This $700 credit is a big help for Western Australian families. In May 2024, the WA State Government gave $400 to eligible homes. Then, the Commonwealth Government added another $300.
Eligible homes will get the $700 in two parts of $350 each. The first part was given out on 20 July 2024. The second part will come on 7 December 2024. Even those not directly billed by Synergy or Horizon Power will get a credit if they’re on the Energy Concession Extension Scheme.
This WA energy affordability scheme shows the commitment of the Cook Labor Government and the Albanese Labor Government. They’re working hard to help Western Australian families with their bills. The second $350 credit will be a welcome boost during the holidays.
“The partnership between the Cook Labor Government and the Albanese Labor Government ensures the delivery of $350 off power bills for every WA household this Christmas.”
Key Eligibility Requirements for WA Residents
To get the Western Australia (WA) $350 Electricity Credit, you need to meet certain criteria. You must be on specific electricity plans. These include the Home Plan (A1) Tariff and other plans for homes.
Customers on business tariffs, like the K1 tariff, don’t qualify for this credit. But, they might get business credit offset payments. The deadline to apply for the second part of the credit is 18 November 2024. The credit will be added to accounts from 7 December 2024.
Residential Tariff Categories
- Home Plan (A1) Tariff
- Non-standard residential electricity supply products
- Pre-payment meter accounts on residential tariffs
- Pilot products targeting residential customers
Property Type Considerations
The Western Australia $350 Electricity Credit helps eligible homes. This includes houses, apartments, and other residential properties.
Cut-off Dates and Timing
WA residents need to know the deadlines for the electricity credit. The last day to apply is 18 November 2024. The credit will be added to accounts from 7 December 2024.
“This credit is automatically applied to Synergy or Horizon Power accounts in two $350 instalments in July-August and December-January.”
Automatic Credit Application Process for Synergy Customers
The Western Australian Government is giving $350 to help with electricity bills. Synergy customers will get this help automatically. This makes it easy for them.
Eligible Synergy customers do not need to apply for the credit. They will get $350 in two parts. The first part is on July 20, 2024, and the second from December 7, 2024. This way, everyone gets the full $700 without extra work.
To see if they qualify, Synergy customers can check their account or call the provider. The WA Government made it easy to get the WA energy rebate and WA power bill assistance. This helps those who need it most without extra hassle.
| Synergy Customer Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Electricity Credit | $700 (split into two $350 installments) |
| Application Process | Automatic – no need to apply |
| Installment Timing | 1st: July 20, 2024 / 2nd: December 7, 2024 |
| Eligibility Check | Review account details or contact Synergy |
The automatic process for Synergy customers makes sure the WA energy rebate and WA power bill assistance reach everyone. It’s a big help during tough times.
Horizon Power Customer Benefits and Process
Horizon Power customers in Western Australia can get a $350 electricity payment support. This is part of the WA cost of living relief program. Like Synergy customers, Horizon Power will add the credit to eligible accounts automatically. This makes it easy for people in regional areas to get the help they need.
Regional Coverage Areas
Horizon Power serves a big area in Western Australia. This includes the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, and Wheatbelt regions. So, households all over the state can get the WA electricity payment support, not just in cities.
Payment Schedule Information
The payment schedule for Horizon Power customers is the same as Synergy’s. The first $350 will be added to accounts in July-August 2024. The second $350 will be added in December 2024-January 2025. Customers can call Horizon Power’s customer service on 1800 267 926 for more details.
| Location | Electricity Payment Support | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia (Horizon Power) | $350 |
|
| Queensland | $1,000 |
|
| South Australia | $243.90 |
|
| New South Wales | $500 (2023) $300 (2024-25) |
|
The table shows how different states offer electricity payment support. It highlights the value and payment schedules. This helps Western Australian residents see how their program compares to others in the country.
Third-Party Billing Arrangements and Embedded Networks
In Western Australia, the $350 electricity credit is not just for Synergy or Horizon Power customers. Caravan parks, retirement villages, and apartment buildings with third-party billing can also get this WA utility bill discount.
These households need to apply to RevenueWA for the WA household energy concession. This is different from the automatic credit for Synergy and Horizon Power customers.
The Western Australian government wants to help everyone. By applying to RevenueWA, embedded network residents can get the $350 electricity credit they need.
For those already in the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) as of May 9, 2024, the credit is automatic. This makes it easier for all eligible Western Australian households to get help.
| State/Territory | Household Rebate | Small Business Rebate | Issuance Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $175 | $325 | Quarterly in 2023-2024 |
| New South Wales | $500 | $350 | Quarterly in 2023-2024 |
| Northern Territory | $350 | $350 | Quarterly in 2023-2024 |
| Queensland | $500 | $650 | Quarterly in 2023-2024 |
| South Australia | $500 | $650 | Quarterly in 2023-2024 |
| Tasmania | $250 | $650 | September and June quarters of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 |
| Victoria | $500 | $325 | Installments in 2023-2024 |
| Western Australia | $350 | $350 | Quarterly in July and December of 2023 |
This ensures all Western Australian households get the WA utility bill discount and WA household energy concession they need.
Important Deadlines and Application Periods
Residents in Western Australia can get a $350 credit for their electricity bills. It’s important for those who qualify to know the deadlines and application periods. This way, they can get this helpful credit.
Processing Timeframes
Applications for the 2024 electricity credit start on 31 July 2024 and end on 31 January 2025. It takes about 6 weeks to process applications. So, it’s key to apply early to avoid any delays.
Key Dates to Remember
- Eligibility cut-off for the second instalment: 18 November 2024
- Application of credits from: 7 December 2024
- Households registered for the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) on 17 June 2024 received the payment in late July 2024
Eligible WA residents must meet these deadlines to get the full $700 credit. By applying on time, households can benefit from this government support. It helps reduce the cost of rising energy bills.
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| Household electricity credit | $700 |
| Small business electricity rebate | $725 |
| Payment schedule | Split into two payments – July-August and December-January |
| Deadline to claim | November 30, 2024 |
“The electricity credit program is funded jointly by the State and Commonwealth Governments and marks the fourth electricity credit delivered by the WA Labor Government.”
Credit Transfer and Account Management Guidelines
If you live in Western Australia and are waiting for the $350 electricity credit, you need to know a few things. The credit can’t be sent back to your bank or given to someone else. But, if you move within Western Australia and keep getting bills from Synergy or Horizon Power, there’s a silver lining.
You can transfer any leftover credit from the Western Australia $350 Electricity Credit to your new account. This way, the credit helps with your electricity bills. But, if you close your account before using the full credit, the remaining amount goes back to the WA State Government. It won’t be given back to you.
These rules help make the WA energy rebate program work better. They help households in Western Australia deal with their energy costs. By following these guidelines, you can get the most out of the financial help available to you.
“The electricity credit is a valuable resource for Western Australian households, and we want to ensure it’s used to provide the intended relief on energy bills,” stated a spokesperson for the state government.
Special Provisions for Caravan Parks and Retirement Villages
In Western Australia, the $350 electricity credit scheme helps those in caravan parks, retirement villages, and similar places. These people can get financial help by applying through RevenueWA. This is because they might not get bills directly from Synergy or Horizon Power.
Alternative Application Methods
People living in caravan parks or retirement villages need to apply for the $350 credit through RevenueWA. This way, everyone who is eligible can get help with their power bills, no matter how they are billed.
Documentation Requirements
- Proof of residency in the caravan park, retirement village, or similar accommodation
- Documentation to verify the applicant’s identity and eligibility for the credit
- Supporting evidence of the electricity account or billing arrangement
These special rules make sure everyone, even those in unique living situations, can get WA electricity payment support. They offer the same financial relief as other households in Western Australia.
“The $350 electricity credit scheme in WA is designed to provide essential support to all eligible households, including those in non-traditional living arrangements.”
| State/Territory | Electricity Bill Relief | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania | $500 per eligible household | Primary electricity account holder or another named account holder who holds an eligible concession card or receives an eligible government payment |
| Victoria | $250 per eligible household, plus a one-off $250 direct payment | Primary electricity account holder or another named account holder who holds an eligible concession card or receives an eligible government payment |
| Western Australia | $350 per eligible household | Primary electricity account holder or another named account holder who holds an eligible concession card or receives an eligible government payment |
| Australian Capital Territory | $175 per eligible household, plus an average bill reduction of $152 through the Large-scale Feed-in Tariff Scheme | Primary electricity account holder or another named account holder who holds an eligible concession card or receives an eligible government payment |
Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES) Integration
The Western Australian government has launched a $350 electricity credit program. It’s linked to the Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES). Households registered for ECES by May 9, 2024, will get an automatic credit. This means vulnerable households and those on energy concessions won’t miss out on this WA cost of living relief.
For those getting WA household energy concession, applying is easier. You don’t need to apply again. If you have a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or other cards, you’ll get the $700 credit. Just make sure you were registered for ECES by June 17, 2024.
If you signed up for ECES later, you’ll need to apply for the credit separately. This makes sure everyone gets the WA cost of living relief they need. It also keeps the program running smoothly.
| Eligibility Criteria | Credit Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| ECES registered by June 17, 2024 | $700 | Automatic credit |
| ECES registered after June 17, 2024 | $700 | Separate application required |
The link between the WA household energy concession and the electricity credit shows the government’s dedication. They want to help all citizens during tough times. No one will be left out.
Multiple Account Holders and Credit Distribution
In Western Australia, the Household Electricity Credit and Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief schemes help eligible households. Good news for those with multiple accounts: they’ll get the WA utility bill discount and WA energy affordability scheme credits on each account.
This policy makes sure everyone gets a fair share of the credits. It helps those with different living situations, like property owners with separate accounts or families in multiple homes. Each eligible account gets one Household Electricity Credit and one Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief credit.
- Customers with multiple eligible accounts will receive a credit offset payment on each of these accounts.
- This policy guarantees that the WA utility bill discount and WA energy affordability scheme benefits are distributed fairly across different household configurations.
- The credit offsets cannot be transferred or refunded to a financial institution account, ensuring the funds are directed towards energy bill relief.
The Western Australian government’s approach ensures the WA utility bill discount and WA energy affordability scheme help all eligible households. This is true, no matter their living arrangements or property ownership.
Support Services and Additional Assistance Options
Customers in Western Australia facing financial struggles can get help. Synergy and Horizon Power offer extra support. This is beyond the WA electricity cost supplement and Western Australia $350 Electricity Credit.
It’s important to reach out to your energy provider. They can talk about managing your account and setting up payment plans. This support is designed to help families keep up with their energy bills.
There are more ways to get help, like the Energy Assistance Payment. RevenueWA also offers the Dependent Child Rebate and Medical Subsidies. These can make a big difference for families in need.
