Horizon Power :: Contestability

Overview

The Western Australian electricity market has been gradually opened up to competition since 1997.

As a State Government initiative, deregulation has focused on generating a more cost competitive and efficient energy industry in order to provide lower prices to electricity users.

Table 1: Western Australian Electricity Market Deregulation Timetable
Dates	Customer Size*
1 Jul 1997	10MW
1 Jul 1998	5 MW
1 Jan 2000	1 MW
1 Oct 2000	34 kW ( Renewables only )
1 Jul 2001	230kW
1 Jan 2002	5.7kW( Renewables only )
1 Jan 2003	34kW
1 Jan 2005	5.7kW

* Customer size is based on minimum annual consumption and annual average electricity load.

The electricity market in the Eastern States was deregulated ahead of the Western Australian market. As a result, many commercial customers are already well aware of the opportunities and limitations that deregulation can create.

Whilst these changes apply in the South West Interconnected System, there are no other retailers in the North West Interconnected System and regional non-interconnected systems.

Choosing your Electricity Supplier

When your business has reached the 'contestable' level, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing your supplier.
Deregulation FAQs

Further information on the deregulation of the Western Australian electricity market, which came into effect on 1 April 2006 is available here.

Contestability

Overview

Choosing your Electricity Supplier

Deregulation FAQs