

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
Can you get a refund from Synergy if you have a credit or overpaid your electricity bill?
Yes, Synergy refunds overpayments or credit balances if you ask. Credits usually appear as a negative balance or “CR” on your bill. If you’re on an active account, Synergy will typically leave the credit on future bills unless you request a cash refund. For closed accounts, refunds should be issued automatically, but delays happen, so it’s smart to confirm your balance and request payment directly to your bank.
Are Synergy solar credits automatically refunded, or do you need to request them?
Synergy solar credits are refunded automatically once they reach the $75 threshold. This applies to customers on REBS or DEBS schemes, provided your bank details are registered in My Account. If your details are missing, payments can be delayed indefinitely. Checking your My Account settings is the fastest way to avoid missed solar refunds and ensure credits don’t sit unused on your account.
How long does a Synergy refund usually take to be paid?
Most Synergy refunds are processed within 5 to 10 business days after approval. Final bill refunds after moving or switching providers usually arrive within one to two weeks. EFT payments are the fastest, while cheque refunds take longer due to postage and clearance. If the timeframe passes, following up with a reference number significantly improves resolution speed.
What can you do if Synergy delays or refuses to process your refund?
If Synergy delays or refuses a valid refund, you can escalate the issue. Start by contacting customer service again with your reference number and clear refund request. If that fails, lodging a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman WA often triggers fast action. Consumers are protected under WA energy rules, and unresolved refund cases are commonly corrected once formally escalated.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
Synergy
refund request that gets seen.