

Still waiting on a Synergy refund?
Can you get a refund from Synergy? Check eligibility first
To see if you're eligible for a refund, here's what Synergy considers:
- Credits & Overpayments: If you've overpaid or your account has a credit balance, Synergy will refund this amount upon request. Credits usually show as a negative balance or marked "CR" on your bill.
- Account Closure (Moving or Switching): When closing your Synergy account, you're entitled to receive a refund of any remaining credits, including unused government rebates. Ensure Synergy has your forwarding details to facilitate payment.
- Solar Credits (REBS/DEBS): Solar customers get automatic refunds once their solar credits hit a $75 threshold, provided their bank details are registered in My Account for Automated REBS Payments.
- Billing Errors & Overcharges: Any wrongful charges due to billing mistakes or errors by Synergy are refundable. Synergy has publicly committed to refunding customers promptly when mistakes occur.
- Non-refundable Situations:
- Government rebates during active service (used only for bill offsets)
- Small residual credits (under a few dollars, typically applied to future bills)
- Hardship program adjustments (debt forgiveness/grants are not cash refundable)
- Government rebates during active service (used only for bill offsets)
How to get a refund from Synergy
Follow these clear, actionable steps to secure your refund:
- Request Final Bill (if moving/closing):
Initiate your account cancellation via the Synergy website or by calling 13 13 53. Clearly state you expect any credits refunded, and provide your forwarding address or bank details. - Check Your Account Balance:
Confirm your credit balance on your latest bill or through your online My Account. Look for a negative balance or "CR". - Contact Synergy Customer Service:
Call residential customer service at 13 13 53 (Mon–Fri, 7 am–7 pm), or use Synergy’s live chat. Clearly request your refund. - Provide/Confirm Payment Details:
Specify your preferred refund method (bank EFT is quickest). Ensure they have accurate bank details, including your BSB and account number. - Receive Synergy Confirmation:
Synergy will confirm the refund method and expected timeframe (usually 5–10 business days). Request a reference number for follow-up. - Await Processing & Verify Payment:
EFT refunds typically appear within a few business days. Cheques take longer due to mailing and bank clearance times. Verify receipt of your refund. - Follow Up if Needed:
If your refund is delayed beyond the specified timeframe, promptly follow up with Synergy using your reference details. - Keep Records:
Maintain copies of bills, correspondence, and notes from calls for reference and faster resolution.
Synergy’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
Synergy generally processes refunds within these timelines:
- Final Bill Refunds: Typically within 1–2 weeks after your final bill issuance (usually within 5 business days of account closure).
- Active Account Refunds: Usually processed within 5–10 business days after request.
- REBS Solar Credit Payments: Automatically refunded shortly after reaching the $75 threshold, generally within days of the billing cycle's completion.
- Cheque Payments: Allow extra time for postage and bank clearance (usually adding about a week).
- Large-scale or Exceptional Refunds: May take longer (e.g., recent Centrepay overcharge refunds); however, individual refunds are processed promptly once identified.
Synergy’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
Here's how Synergy can return your money:
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Preferred and fastest method, directly into your nominated bank account.
- Cheque Payments: Traditional method, mailed to your provided address if electronic transfer isn't possible.
- Credit Card Reversal: Rarely used; typically, EFT or cheque methods are preferred.
- On-Bill Credit: Default option unless refund specifically requested; credits apply automatically to future bills.
- No In-Person Cash Refunds: Synergy does not offer refunds through physical stores or cash pickups.
Common refund issues with Synergy
Most refund issues customers face include:
- Credits Overlooked on Closed Accounts: Always verify final bills and proactively request your refund.
- Large Direct Debit Errors: Promptly contact Synergy if an incorrect amount is withdrawn; refunds and related bank charges are covered.
- Delayed Refunds & Follow-ups: Ensure accurate forwarding details are provided and follow up promptly if delays occur.
- Misunderstanding Non-refundable Rebates: Clarify with Synergy if a credit is refundable or designed solely for bill reductions.
- Communication & Customer Service Issues: Persist with follow-ups or escalate to a supervisor if initial interactions aren’t helpful.
- Escalation via Ombudsman: For unresolved issues, filing a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman WA typically results in a prompt refund.
Synergy cases submitted through Ajust
Customer experiences with Synergy refund cases
Centrelink Overcharging: Synergy refunded $2.29 million to nearly 2,850 affected customers after a long-term billing error was uncovered.
Direct Debit Overcharge (Pensioner): Although initially stressful, the issue was fully refunded, demonstrating Synergy’s commitment to correcting errors.
Customer Misunderstanding Turnaround: A customer initially labelled Synergy "thieves," but later praised their helpfulness after receiving a delayed refund.
How Synergy Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
Here's how Synergy stacks up against other WA providers:
- Market Context: Synergy, as a government-owned entity, has standardised, regulated refund processes with strong consumer protection.
- Customer Service: Competitors (Alinta, Kleenheat) may offer more personalised service and faster communication.
- Solar Credit Handling: Synergy’s automated REBS payout system is notably customer-friendly, surpassing many competitors who require manual requests.
- Billing Errors: Synergy proactively refunded affected customers comprehensively when systemic billing errors occurred, reflecting strong accountability.
- Competitive Edge: Synergy’s robust refund policy and consumer protections compare favourably; improvements could include better automated refund notifications as seen with competitors like Origin or AGL.
Official Synergy Refund Resources & Links
- Help & Advice FAQs: Synergy Help & Advice
- REBS/DEBS Information: Synergy REBS Payments
- Contact Synergy: Phone 13 13 53 or visit Synergy Contact Page
- Standard Electricity Agreement (WA): Synergy Standard Contract
- Energy & Water Ombudsman WA: EWOWA Official Site
- WA Electrical Utilities Customer Code: WA ERA Website
- Recent Refund News: ABC News Synergy Refund Story (July 2025)
Synergy Refund FAQs
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
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refund request that gets seen.