Myth-busting: what regional WA should know about energy prices

We are often presented with national news stories about frequent energy price hikes and energy shortages. The truth is, WA works very differently to the rest of Australia and these national news stories are usually talking about what’s happening on the east coast of Australia.

Here we bust those myths and give you the facts about how energy prices in WA are set and why what you hear in national media often doesn’t apply.

May 14, 2026

Energy Hub Energy 101

Myth: Regional WA customers pay more for energy

Fact: All West Aussie’s pay the same rate for their electricity regardless of your postcode

If you live in regional WA, it probably feels like energy bills are higher than those in Perth. The truth is everyone in WA pays the same electricity price per kilowatt regardless of the postcode.

Even if you live in the most remote regions of WA, where it costs a lot more to generate and supply electricity, you’re paying the same price per unit of electricity as someone living in Perth. This is thanks to something called the Uniform Tariff Policy.

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Myth: Energy prices are increased to boost profits

Fact: In regional WA most households and small businesses actually pay less than it costs to generate and deliver their electricity.

Every year, the State Government reviews electricity prices and sets the rates WA customers pay which are refreshed on 1 July each year.

If prices change, it’s to reflect the real cost of generating and suppling energy across our vast state – it’s not to make profit. And thanks to the Tariff Equalisation Contribution (TEC), a State government subsidy that reduces electricity costs, making energy affordable no matter where you live.

Did you know, this financial year the subsidy average is approximately $5,034 per customer connection?

You can view the latest pricing information here.

Myth: WA energy is impacted by supply generation issues on the east coast.

Fact: WA has its own independent energy grid

You might have seen headlines about energy shortages or rising cost, but most national news is focused on what’s happening on the east coast of Australia. The great news is, these price increase issues don’t affect WA. That’s because WA has an independent State government owned energy grid which is not connected to the eastern states’ energy grid.

Horizon Power

Horizon Power manages and operates power systems across regional and remote WA.

Synergy

Synergy generates and sells energy from Kalbarri in the north, east to Kalgoorlie and south to Albany.

Western Power

Western Power take care of the poles and wires where Synergy operates.

Thanks to WA’s energy policies, we all pay the same prices for our energy.

In fact, in many cases energy charges are heavily subsidised to keep energy affordable and fair. And while national news can create confusion around our energy supply, you can be reassured WA’s independent network means our energy system is managed to support our state’s needs.

It’s safe to say these energy pricing myths have been busted.

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.