Energy and Water Ombudsman (WA)
A free and independent scheme for resolving electricity, gas and water complaints in Western Australia.
In this profile
- Explain what the Western Australian energy and water ombudsman scheme is
- Describe the utility complaints it handles
- Clarify who can use it and that it is free
- Connect utility disputes to debt and hardship
- Direct readers to official channels for current details
7 min read
What it is
The Energy and Water Ombudsman (WA) is a free and independent scheme for resolving disputes between customers and electricity, gas and water providers in Western Australia. It is independent of the providers it deals with and works towards fair outcomes. Relevant providers are generally required to participate.
For the current contact details, complaint process and member providers, refer to the scheme's official website. We do not list a specific URL or phone number here because these can change. Please check the official website for current details.
What it handles
The scheme covers electricity, gas and water complaints in Western Australia. Typical issues include high or disputed bills, supply and connection problems, and disconnection or restriction, as well as how a provider has handled an account.
- Billing and account disputes, including high bills
- Connection, supply and metering concerns
- Disconnection, restriction and utility debt
- Customer service and complaint-handling conduct
It resolves individual complaints rather than setting prices or policy for the sector.
Who can use it
The scheme is free for consumers and is generally available to residential and small-business customers in Western Australia. You are usually expected to complain to your provider first. If the provider cannot resolve the issue, you can bring it to the ombudsman.
You do not need a lawyer to make a complaint. For a wider view of consumer and debt support, see the Merion directory.
Relevance to debt & credit
Utility bills can contribute to household debt in Western Australia. Providers should offer hardship support and payment arrangements to customers in difficulty. Where a dispute about a bill, a payment plan, or a threatened disconnection cannot be resolved with the provider, the Western Australian energy and water ombudsman may be able to help. Ask the scheme how a complaint affects disconnection in your case.
How to reach them
Current contact methods and the complaint form are published on the scheme's official website. Because details change, we do not reproduce them here. Please check the official website for current details before lodging a complaint.
Key takeaways
- The WA scheme is the free, independent body for energy and water complaints
- It covers billing, supply, disconnection and account handling
- Complain to your provider first, then escalate if unresolved
- Confirm current contact details on the scheme's official website
Frequently asked questions
What complaints does the WA scheme handle?
Electricity, gas and water complaints from Western Australian customers, including billing, supply and disconnection. Check the official website for the current scope.
Is it free to complain?
Yes, the service is free for consumers and is funded by participating providers.
Can it help with a disconnection?
It can assist where a disconnection or payment dispute is unresolved with your provider. Contact the scheme directly to confirm what applies to your situation.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Details can change — always confirm current contact details and processes on the organisation's official website.
Know who to turn to
A free, plain-English directory of the regulators, courts, schemes and services behind debt and credit in Australia.