❓ Hon. Kate Doust questions the cancellation of Synergy's EvenPay plan, focusing on the decision-making process, customer impact, and lack of replacement. Hon. Peter Collier responds, detailing the timeline, customer numbers, and Synergy's actions regarding customer debt.
AnsweredQoN 923Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SYNERGY — CANCELLATION OF EVENPAY BILL SMOOTHING PLAN
I refer to Synergy’s recent decision to axe its EvenPay bill smoothing plan. (1) When was this decision made and did it receive ministerial approval? (2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to Synergy’s recent decision to axe its EvenPay bill smoothing plan. (1) When was this decision made and did it receive ministerial approval? (2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(1) When was this decision made and did it receive ministerial approval? (2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(1) When was this decision made and did it receive ministerial approval? (2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(2) How many customers were signed up to EvenPay on 20 October? (3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(3) Prior to the cancellation of EvenPay, on what date were new applications to join EvenPay no longer accepted? (4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(4) Why has Synergy not offered a replacement for EvenPay and when will a replacement be available to help struggling Western Australians cope with this government’s harsh electricity tariff increases? (5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(5) Why has Synergy not automatically put EvenPay customers with large underpayments as at 21 October on a payment schedule? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(1) The decision was made in August 2011. Synergy did not seek ministerial approval, but I was advised of its intended actions. (2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(2) There were 1 091 customers. (3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(3) September 2010. (4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(4) Synergy is evaluating alternative options to provide a bill smoothing product for customers; however, customers are currently able to make regular payments at any time for any amount utilising Synergy’s payment channels. (5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
(5) Of the 2 000 customers who signed up to EvenPay from product commencement to closure, approximately 1 000 customers had a debt against their account as the bill smoothing amounts applied were too low. The remaining customers were in credit. In recognition that customer debts were the result of the incorrect application of the bill smoothing payment calculation requirements, Synergy intends to recover 15 per cent of the outstanding debt from these customers, with the corporation accepting responsibility for the remainder of the debt. Customers with an outstanding debt will be eligible for payment arrangements upon request.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.