WA Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice Launched: New Rules for Providers and Consumers

WA Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice Launched: New Rules for Providers and Consumers

The Western Australian government has officially rolled out a new code of practice for alternative electricity service (AES) providers, introducing a raft of specific obligations designed to enhance consumer protection and service delivery standards.

What happened

Published on 12 August 2026, the 'Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice 2026' was enacted under the Electricity Industry Act 2004. This new regulatory framework sets clear expectations for AES providers across the state. It outlines general obligations, detailed requirements for customer interactions, transparent billing practices, robust financial hardship policies, and provisions for family violence victim support, alongside mandatory complaint resolution procedures.

What this means for you

If you are an alternative electricity service provider in WA, you must now ensure your operations align with the new code. This means reviewing and potentially overhauling your customer service protocols, billing systems, and hardship support mechanisms. For consumers of these services, this code signals enhanced protections, clearer information on charges, and more accessible support channels, particularly during difficult financial periods or family violence situations. Consumer advocacy groups will find new benchmarks for assessing provider conduct and lodging complaints.

What this means for WA

This initiative reflects a broader trend in the state's energy sector towards greater regulation and consumer safeguarding. The introduction of specific AES obligations suggests a government focus on ensuring fair competition and service quality as the energy market evolves. It signals a move to standardise minimum service levels, potentially setting precedents for other deregulated service industries within WA.

The numbers

The 'Alternative Electricity Services Code of Practice 2026' details requirements across several key areas. Providers must adhere to general obligations for service provision. Crucially, specific mandates cover customer interaction requirements, ensuring clearer communication. Furthermore, the code introduces stringent rules for billing and financial hardship policies, aiming to protect vulnerable consumers. The inclusion of family violence policies and defined complaint resolution procedures further underscores the government's commitment to consumer welfare in this sector. This regulatory shift follows other recent changes in the energy sector, such as amendments to electricity distribution licences and the renewal of electricity retail licences, indicating ongoing adjustments within WA's electricity industry.

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