The Complete Guide to WA Energy Concessions and Rebates (2026)

WA has at least six energy concession programs, and roughly one in three eligible households isn't claiming them. That's hundreds of dollars left on the table every year. The Energy Assistance Payment alone is $342.85/year — and it stacks with the Dependent Child Rebate, Air Conditioning Rebate, and the $150 Household Electricity Credit.

Government Electricity Credits

WA Household Electricity Credit

The WA Government periodically provides electricity credits to all Synergy residential customers.

Amount: Varies by year (has been $200–$400 per household)
Eligibility: All Synergy residential account holders
How to claim: Applied automatically to your Synergy account — no application needed
When: Usually announced in the state budget (May) and applied from July 1

Check your Synergy bill for a credit line item labelled "Government Electricity Credit" or similar.

Concession Cards

Seniors Card Concession

WA Seniors Card holders can receive a rebate on their Synergy bills.

Amount: A daily concession credit applied to each bill
Eligibility: WA Seniors Card holders
How to apply: Call Synergy on 13 13 53 with your Seniors Card number
Notes: Only one concession per account; must be the account holder

Pensioner/Healthcare Card Concession

Holders of Centrelink Pensioner Concession Cards and Health Care Cards receive energy concessions.

Amount: A daily concession credit (typically higher than Seniors Card)
Eligibility: Pension Concession Card or Health Care Card holders
How to apply: Contact Synergy with your card details
Notes: Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holders may also qualify

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Holders of this card can access energy concessions similar to the Pensioner Concession Card.

How to apply: Contact Synergy with your card number

Hardship Assistance

Synergy Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS)

If you're struggling to pay your electricity bills, HUGS provides one-off grants.

Amount: Up to $660 per grant
Eligibility: Residential customers experiencing financial hardship
How to apply: Contact Synergy or a financial counsellor
Frequency: Generally available once every two years
Requirements: Must have engaged with Synergy about payment difficulties

Payment Extensions and Plans

Before reaching hardship level:

Payment extension: Request extra time to pay
Instalment plan: Break your bill into smaller, regular payments
Bill smoothing: Pay a consistent amount each fortnight/month

Contact Synergy's customer support to arrange these options.

No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)

For eligible low-income households, NILS provides interest-free loans for essential appliances including energy-efficient replacements.

Amount: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Low-income households (Health Care Card holders)
Use: Purchase energy-efficient appliances (fridges, washing machines, hot water)
How to apply: Through NILS network organisations

Solar and Energy Efficiency Rebates

Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

When you install solar panels, you receive STCs that reduce the upfront cost. These are a federal scheme but administered through your installer.

Value: Typically $2,000–$4,000 for a standard residential system
How: Your installer claims STCs and deducts the value from your quote
No application needed: Built into your solar installation quote

REES (Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme)

Some states have retailer obligations to provide energy efficiency measures. While WA's scheme differs from eastern states, check with Synergy for any current efficiency programs.

Medical and Life Support Equipment

Life Support Equipment Concession

If you or a household member depends on life support or medical equipment:

Eligibility: Registered medical equipment users
Benefit: Protection from disconnection + potential concession
How to register: Notify Synergy and provide medical certification
Equipment types: Oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, ventilators, etc.

Air Conditioning Concession

Some medical conditions qualify for an air conditioning concession during summer.

Eligibility: Specific medical conditions requiring temperature control
How to apply: Through your healthcare provider and Synergy
Evidence required: Medical certificate

Aboriginal and Regional Concessions

Remote and Regional Tariffs

Horizon Power customers (outside the SWIS) may have different concession structures. Contact Horizon Power directly for regional energy assistance.

Aboriginal Community Energy Program

The WA Government runs programs to improve energy efficiency in Aboriginal communities, including:

Solar and battery installations
Energy efficiency upgrades
Energy literacy programs

How to Check Your Eligibility

Quick Eligibility Checklist

| Concession | Seniors Card | Pension Card | Health Care Card | All Customers | |------------|-------------|--------------|------------------|---------------| | Electricity credit | - | - | - | Yes | | Daily concession | Yes | Yes | Yes | - | | HUGS grant | - | - | - | Hardship cases | | STC rebate (solar) | - | - | - | Yes | | Life support | - | - | - | Medical need |

Steps to Claim Your Concessions

Gather your cards: Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Health Care Card
Call Synergy: 13 13 53 — ask about all available concessions
Provide details: Card numbers, account details, and any medical certificates
Confirm on next bill: Check that the concession appears as a credit line item
Review annually: Concession amounts and eligibility criteria can change

Maximise Savings Beyond Concessions

Concessions help, but they're just one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with:

Tariff optimisation — Make sure you're on the cheapest plan for your usage
Solar assessment — STCs can reduce solar costs by thousands
Energy efficiency tips — Simple changes that cut usage
Bill analysis — Upload your bill to find hidden savings

For a complete picture of your potential savings — including concessions, tariff switching, and technology upgrades — upload your bill to BillWise.

More Information

WA Energy Concessions Page — Detailed information on all WA schemes
Synergy Customer Support: 13 13 53
Financial Counselling Hotline: 1800 007 007 (free call)
Department of Communities: For hardship and welfare enquiries

Ready to act? Calculate your savings → — factor in concessions, rebates, and solar to see the full picture for your household.