THE WA GOVERNMENT’S NEW ENERGY REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The Western Australian Government has introduced a new regulatory framework coming into effect in 2025, which mandates the use of the new digital bi-directional meters at embedded network estates, including RAAFA communities.

This includes understanding the amount of the power consumed from household solar panels, and the amount of power purchased from the Western Power grid when your panels aren't producing enough energy to power your home — such as during the night.

The new digital bi-directional meters are designed to provide increased transparency on your electricity bills, by accurately pin pointing the amount of power each household is consuming each day.

The introduction of the new digital bi-directional meters means your power bill may look a bit different moving forward, with transparent and accurate calculations now available to help you to track your power usage. It’s the Government’s way of extending customer protections to you.

HOW THE NEW SYSTEM WORKS

WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN FOR YOU

The introduction of the new bi-directional digital meters helps RAAFA ensure that you as a resident can be certain of how much power your household solar panels produce during the day.

At the same time, the new meters accurately pinpoint the amount of power you use from the RAAFA grid when the solar panels are not producing sufficient power, which will be reflected in your electricity bill.

Any extra solar power you generate during the day is not stored, and when the sun goes down, you draw power from the RAAFA grid, just like everyone else.

BENEFITS OF THE NEW FRAMEWORK

Through the new regulatory framework, the WA Government is extending customer protections to new and emerging electricity services, including RAAFA’s embedded energy network. Benefits the framework aims to deliver you include:

Increased accuracy in how your energy usage is measured

The bi-directional digital meters measure exactly when you are using your own solar power, and when you are using power from the RAAFA grid, such as the evenings where solar power is not being produced. This means you will be billed only for the electricity you use from the RAAFA grid.

More protections for you
as an energy consumer

The new regulatory framework provides you with rights and RAAFA with a strict code of conduct to abide by, which include the installation and use of digital bi-directional meters to ensure accuracy in energy billing.

You may be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA

As you are recieving energy from an embedded network, you may be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA of up to $334.49. Find out if your eligible and how to apply, by clicking here.

FAQs

  • All existing meters across the estate are being replaced with remote-readable bi-directional digital meters to ensure compliance with impending legislation from the WA Government.

    These upgrades enhance the accuracy and reliability of the electrical metering system, providing greater confidence in fair and transparent billing for residents moving forward.

  • You can find more information and submit questions about the Alternative Electricity Services regulatory framework or the Voluntary Embedded Networks Code of Practice from Energy Policy WA.

    To do so, please visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/alternative-electricity-services.

  • With the new digital meters, we are able to measure exactly when you're using solar power and when you're using power from the grid. Previously, this was an estimate made by RAAFA.


    Through the new system, you will only be billed for the electricity you draw from the grid.

  • The electricity you send to the grid during the day does not offset your nighttime usage. Any extra solar power you generate during the day is not stored, and when the sun goes down, you draw power from the main grid, just like everyone else.

  • Any excess solar energy you generate is first used to help power shared amenities, such as the pool and other communal spaces. This reduces the need to draw electricity from the main grid for these areas, ultimately lowering the overall operational costs.

    Any remaining surplus electricity is then exported to Western Power.

  • No, because RAAFA is an embedded network – we are not eligible for reimbursement from Western Power and neither are our residents.

    Residents may however be eligible to claim an Energy Assistance Rebate from Revenue WA of up to $334.49. Find out if your eligible and how to apply, by clicking here.

  • For further information on how you can reduce your electricity bill, please visit www.synergy.net.au.

  • It is estimated the new legislation will come into effect in mid-2025.