Synergy profit puts the lie to excuses over green power

20 September 2012

WA Greens Consumer Protection Spokeswoman Alison Xamon MLC says Synergy’s posting of an $85 million profit after tax for the past year puts the lie to the retailer’s claims that it must pass through the carbon price onto green power customers for cost reasons.

“Last month Synergy’s Chair Michael Smith told me in an Estimates hearing that he shared my concerns about Synergy passing through a carbon price onto its green power products but Synergy had to do it because it could not afford to do otherwise,” Ms Xamon said.

“Now we know this is untrue, as it would cost Synergy very little to opt out of passing on the carbon price to green power customers, given the relatively small customer base they represent – only about 8,000 out of more than 800,000 Synergy customers.

“Synergy is being utterly cynical in how it treats the people who buy its green power products NaturalPower, EasyGreen and EarthFriendly.

“These green power products are an important option for people who are trying to do the right thing by the environment, including those who cannot afford to install solar panels or who are renting.

“I again call on Synergy to remove the carbon charges that it has attached to purchases of electricity made under green power schemes and to start treating its green power customers fairly.”

Hon Alison Xamon MLC

Member for the East Metropolitan Region

Office: 62 Eighth Ave Maylands WA 6051

Postal Address: PO Box 104 Maylands WA 6931

Phone: (08) 9272 1718

Fax: (08) 9272 1719

Portfolios: Water, Urban Bushland, Mental Health, Education, Training, Industrial Relations, Employment, Occupational Health & Safety, Disabilities, Women, Children & Youth, Public Service, Community Services,Electoral Affairs, Consumer Protection, Vet Affairs, Volunteering