What is the average electricity bill in WA? Tips to keep your bill down.

See How Your Bill Measures Up To The Average Electricity Bill in Australia 

Power bills in Australia can significantly impact household budgets but there are small changes you can make to reduce your bill and reduce the pressure on your household. However, knowing the average bill and being able to compare with similar households is important to know if you should cut down your electricity consumption. 

Electricity Providers in WA 

Western Australia differs from other states and territories due to its stricter government regulations on electricity supply. While other states have a competitive market with multiple electricity retailers, in WA, the state government sets the electricity prices and determines who can sell it.

In Western Australia, there are five energy networks: the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), which covers the most populated areas, as well as the South, North, Gascoyne/Mid-West, and North West Interconnected Systems. Within the SWIS, only customers classified as contestable, typically large businesses, have the option to choose their electricity retailer. The majority of residential and small business customers in this area are non-contestable, meaning Synergy is their sole provider. Synergy offers various plans including the Home Plan (flat rate tariff), Midday Saver (time-of-use tariff), and Home Business Plan (block tariff). The Home Plan is the most commonly chosen option and is typically used to understand the average electricity bill. 

Outside the SWIS, Horizon Power is the exclusive retailer. Their plans include the A2 (standard residential) and K2 (part residential, part business) tariffs.

Average Australian Daily Electricity Use

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures electricity usage per hour. According to the Australian Energy Regulator in 2023, the average daily usage for a three-person household in Australia is 18.71 kWh, for a four-person household is 21.355 kWh, and for households with five or more people, it is 25.43 kWh per day.

Average Electricity Bill in Australia

The average electricity cost in Western Australia, according to a Canstar Blue Survey in December 2023, is $296 per quarter, the cheapest average across Australia. The survey highlighted varying average costs by state, with Tasmania topping the list at $372, followed by New South Wales at $345, ACT at $321, Victoria at $320, South Australia at $352, and Queensland at $315. 

Several factors influence how your bill compares to the average electricity bill in Perth, including household size, season, types of appliances used, and the presence of solar panels. Understanding these variables can help consumers better manage their household electricity bills.

Average Electricity Bill By Household Size

The size of your household is a major factor affecting average electricity use. According to Synergy, a single-person household averages $237 per quarter, while a two-person household averages $311, a three-person household $373, and a four-person household $382. Additionally, larger homes tend to use more electricity due to having more rooms and appliances. For example, the average two-month bill for a two-bedroom house is $212, while a four-bedroom house averages $332, and a five-bedroom house averages $491. Understanding the average price by household size is crucial for comparing your electricity bill to the average Western Australian household and identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

For an accurate average energy bill, use the Synergy Compare Your Bill Tool. 

Other Factors That Impact Electricity Costs:

Several other factors could impact your bill differently: 

• The types and frequency of appliance use, such as air conditioners, dishwashers, and clothes dryers can lead to high electricity usage.
  
  
• Different electricity plans and tariff options are offered by electricity providers.
  
  
• Location plays a role, with higher electricity costs in certain areas.
  
  
• The presence of solar panels and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce overall electricity expenses.

Tips For Reducing Your Energy Costs

Now that you know how you measure up with the rest of Australia and WA, here are some ideas for reducing your power bill:

• Choose the right plan - if you know when you use the most energy, opt for a plan with lower rates during those times.
  
  
• Use energy-saving light bulbs and appliances
  
  
• Regularly check the seals of your fridges and freezers, windows and doors
  
  
• Efficient heating and cooling practices - gradually adjusting temperatures instead of making sudden changes.
  
  
• Remember to switch off appliances like blenders and gaming consoles at the wall to save even more energy.
  
  

Conclusion

It is essential for Australians to understand their own usage patterns to better manage their utility bill. If you want to reduce electricity costs, it’s important to compare electricity plans, assess your next bill closely, and implement energy-saving tips. Contact ECA WA for more help and information on the electricity market in WA.