Can I choose my retailer?

Some customers are able to choose their retailer. These customers are called ‘contestable customers'.

Customers of exempt retailers may not be able to choose their retailer (for more information see exempt retailers and distributors).

If you are able to choose your retailer, your choice will be limited by the number of retailers available to you. For example, some retailers only supply to business customers, and in some areas there is only one retailer.

Gas customers

All gas customers are free to choose their retailer. Synergy is not allowed to supply you with gas if you use less than 0.18 TJ of gas per year (about $6,200).

Electricity customers

If you use less than 50 MWh of electricity per year (about $15,300) and are connected to Western Power’s distribution network, you will not be able to choose your retailer. As a non-contestable customer living within the SWIS, you will be supplied by Synergy.

You are a contestable customer and can choose your electricity retailer if:

• you use more than 50 MWh (about $15,300) of electricity per year; or
• your distributor is not Western Power (i.e. you do not live in the SWIS area).

If you own several properties, you cannot combine the amount of electricity that you use at each property to determine whether you are contestable or not.

Finding a retailer

All retailers who supply small use customers with energy must have a ‘standard form contract’ that has been approved by the ERA.

The ERA website shows all retailers with approved standard form contracts for gas and electricity. Contacts and more information provides a list of these retailers. You can phone the retailers to see if they can supply energy to your address.

Transfer between retailers

If you are a contestable customer and you want to transfer from your existing retailer to a new retailer, simply contact the new retailer and request to be transferred. The new retailer will organise the transfer on your behalf.

All gas contracts and some electricity contracts will state that the contract ends if you enter into a new contract with another retailer and you have transferred to that retailer.

Your previous retailer is not allowed to bill you for any energy consumed after you transfer to your new retailer.