❓ Dr. Walker questions the Minister about implementing a free daytime electricity initiative similar to the federal government's east coast plan, given WA's predicted delay in renewable energy adoption and the government's ownership of Synergy. The Minister responds by stating Synergy already offers free electricity to eligible customers.
AnsweredQoN 1092Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Synergy—Free electricity1092.Hon Dr Brian Walkerto theLeader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:I refer the minister
to the recent announcement by the federal government that it will force energy
retailers on the east coast to offer free power in the middle of the day to
customers, starting in six months. I note that Western Australia is predicted
to lag behind its neighbours until at least 2027.(1) Will the Cook Labor government take proactive
steps to introduce a similar initiative here by July 2026, given that it owns
the major electricity provider in the state, and could do so with the stroke of
a pen?(2) If no to (1), why
not, and what does the predicted delay say about the state government's much-laudedcommitment to climate change mitigation and cost-of-living relief?
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:I refer the minister
to the recent announcement by the federal government that it will force energy
retailers on the east coast to offer free power in the middle of the day to
customers, starting in six months. I note that Western Australia is predicted
to lag behind its neighbours until at least 2027.(1) Will the Cook Labor government take proactive
steps to introduce a similar initiative here by July 2026, given that it owns
the major electricity provider in the state, and could do so with the stroke of
a pen?(2) If no to (1), why
not, and what does the predicted delay say about the state government's much-laudedcommitment to climate change mitigation and cost-of-living relief?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:I am very happy to
say thank you to the honourable member and give him this answer.(1)–(2) Synergy provides eligible
customers 10 kilowatt hours of free electricity each day between 9:00 am and
3:00 pm.
Synergy—Free electricity
say thank you to the honourable member and give him this answer.(1)–(2) Synergy provides eligible
customers 10 kilowatt hours of free electricity each day between 9:00 am and
3:00 pm.
Synergy—Free electricity
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