Dr. Steve Thomas questions the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation regarding significant energy cost increases for small businesses on market contracts with Synergy. The Minister responds that the government doesn't collect the requested contract data from energy retailers.

AnsweredQoN 320Legislative Assembly
Asked
17 June 2025
Portfolio
Energy and Decarbonisation

QuestionView source ↗

Synergy—Small business contracts
320. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:
I refer to the
minister's answer to my question without notice 155 asked on 20 May 2025 on
small business energy costs in the contestable market, in which the government
refused to outline average power costs, and to reports that in the renewal of
their energy contracts, small business Synergy customers have seen increases in
total costs of up to 40% on their previous contracts.
What has been the
highest and average percentage increase in contracted costs for the businesses
that have negotiated market contracts and are not on a regulated tariff under
the R1, L1, R3 and L3 tariffs in:
(1) 2021–22;
(2) 2022–23;
(3) 2023–24; and
(4) 2024–25 to date?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
According to the
Economic Regulation Authority in the Energy
retailers and distributors 2024: Annual data report , there are currently
13 energy retailers within the South West Interconnected System, or SWIS. These
retailers are not required to provide advice to government on the details of
the contracts they enter into with third parties. Therefore, the government is
unable to provide the information requested.

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