Power you can afford, from a market that works.
State-owned Synergy reported a $778.5 million loss in 2024–25, including $521.8 million in impairment costs on its coal assets. In May 2026 budget estimates, Nationals leader Shane Love put Synergy’s operating subsidy at $692 million.
Households in the South West have no choice of electricity retailer. Homes on Western Power’s network using less than 50 MWh a year must buy from Synergy, at prices set by the Government.
West Australians pay for energy decisions twice: once on their bills, and again through the Budget. A better way puts price and reliability first.
What we’d do
- Publish the full taxpayer cost of Synergy every year.
- Keep generation technology-neutral, so reliability and price come first, not mandates.
- Give households a choice of electricity retailer.
Sources
- RenewEconomy, Utility giant writes off coal assets as it transitions to renewables and storage
- The West Australian, Synergy posts $778.5m loss
- WAtoday, Profit aspiration or target? WA Energy Minister grilled over future of Synergy, 19 May 2026
- Energy Policy WA, Electricity industry (contestable and non-contestable customers)
- Economic Regulation Authority, Can I choose my retailer?