Meters

Most popular FAQs

Do I need a new meter to install solar and how do I arrange this?

To install a solar power system you’ll need to have a bi-directional energy meter that is capable of separately measuring and recording electricity flows in each direction - how much energy you consume from the grid vs. how much excess energy you export back to the grid (thanks to your solar system).

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How do I organise a meter for my building site?

Building a home is a fun yet exhaustive process. Whether you need to get a temporary or permanent supply to your site, this is a good place to start.

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How do I read my electricity meter?

It all depends on what type of meter you have. Western Power, the network operator, owns and maintains the meter at your premises and is responsible for reading or estimating your meter - unless you're a self reader.

For detailed information on ‘how to read your meter’, please read the Western Power meter reading FAQs.

How does self-reading your meter work?

You might choose to read your own meter because of meter access issues, or perhaps you live in an area of WA where it’s hard for Western Power meter readers to visit regularly. If you read and submit your own meter readings, you’re known as a “self-read” customer.

Here’s a quick guide to how the self-read process works:

1. Generally, every two months Western Power will let you know when and how to submit your meter reading. They might let you know by text, email or a self-read card sent in the mail.
2. You read your meter and submit the information using Western Power’s online portal, by calling Western Power or by posting your self-read card back to Western Power. (If you receive a self-read card and submit your reading online, your next meter read reminder will be sent by text or email, not by card.)
3. You receive your Synergy bill.

If you are a self-read customer, it’s important to submit your reading in the timeframe that Western Power gives to you. If you don’t make the deadline, your next bill will be based on your estimated electricity use instead of what you’ve actually used.

Even when you’re a self-read customer, Western Power will need to visit your property and access your meter for a reading at least once every 12 months.

Please visit the Western Power website for more details about your meter readings.

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Can I lock my meter box?

You can lock your meter box as long as the lock is an approved Western Power lock. An approved Western Power lock can be purchased from licensed locksmiths and security suppliers.

How long does it take to connect a meter to our building site?

It depends on how many steps below you need completed to connect your site:

1. First, check for underground power installed on your block. Look for a shiny green dome or call Western Power on 13 10 87 to confirm or to install your dome.
2. Apply for a new connection with us - we'll process your request within 3-5 days and issue you with a reference number.
3. Pass on the reference number/s on to your builder or electrician.
4. Your builder/ electrician will liaise with Western Power to get your meter installed and connected to the grid. Allow 5 working days in a metropolitan area, and up to 10 working days in rural areas.

Here's why your meter might have not been read

There are a number of reasons why your meter may not have been read. Here are some important things to note:

• Western Power meter readers won’t enter any enclosure where there is a dog or signs of a dog, regardless of the breed or how friendly it seems.
• Western Power meter readers won’t climb over fences or gates to access your meter.
• Western Power meters readers won’t open meter boxes where there’s signs of bees or wasp nests.

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Other FAQs

How do I get the temporary meter removed?

Call us on 13 13 53 to arrange removal. We'll arrange with Western Power to remove the meter for you. Please note, a temporary supply removal fee of $576.95 (inc GST)  is charged by Synergy in order to recover costs charged by Western Power to visit a site and remove a temporary supply. This fee may change from time to time but as of 1 July 2024 it's correct. 

I am a SmartPower customer, will my arrangement be affected if I want to sign up to green energy too?

You can sign-up to any of Synergy’s green energy options, whether it is NaturalPower® or EasyGreen®. But it means that the green energy premium will be added to all of the applicable SmartPower variable rates.

What if I do not have a time-of-use compatible meter?

Most recently built homes have a compatible meter that can be re-programmed to suit a time-of-use tariff. Otherwise, you need to have a new meter installed. There are two types of meters which you can choose from depending on the existing meter installed at your property or the appliances you use.

Meter options and installation costs for new and existing homes are available on the product information page.

When you are ready to request a new meter, please either contact us to arrange installation at your home. If you are unsure which meter is best for you, consider contacting an electrician for advice.

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