Western Australia is the clearest case of a state making VPP participation a condition. At the time of writing the WA Residential Battery Scheme is active and VPP-required.
What the scheme requires
The state rebate is reported to be paid per kWh, with a higher rate for Horizon Power regional customers than for Synergy customers in the south-west, and to require the battery to be enrolled in an approved VPP. Reported approved options include Synergy’s Battery Rewards, Horizon Power’s program and other offers that meet the government’s value-sharing rules. Amounts, caps, income-tested finance and closing dates have changed more than once, so confirm all of them on the WA Government’s scheme page before you commit.
How it sits with the federal rebate
| Federal STC discount | WA state scheme | |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by | STCs, applied at installation | State government, under its own process |
| VPP needed? | Capable only, joining optional | Reported to need enrolment in an approved VPP |
| Depends on location? | Same everywhere | Differs by Synergy or Horizon area |
You can use both, subject to the rules of each. Our WA scheme explainer and WA stacking page cover amounts and process in more detail.
What a VPP condition means in practice
Because enrolment is part of the deal, the contract terms matter more than usual. Ask:
- How long must the battery stay enrolled to keep the state rebate?
- What happens to the rebate if you leave early?
- What reserve does the operator leave for your backup needs?
- Does enrolment affect the battery warranty?
See VPP contract length and how a VPP controls your battery.
What this means for homeowners
Decide on the state scheme and the VPP together, because they are tied. Then check that your battery and inverter are both on the CEC list and on the chosen operator’s compatible list. The federal discount still depends on the CEC list and an accredited installer, as set out on our battery STC pillar page.
What this means for installers
In WA you are often managing two sets of paperwork: the STC claim and the state scheme application. Keep them consistent on model, serial numbers and install date. Lodge the STC claim promptly; the rate published on /pricing/ is locked on lodgement of a complete claim, and our compliance desk pre-checks photos and serials before the claim goes in. Set up through /start-trading/. The battery submission guide lists the evidence.
Reported figures, with caution
Reports in 2026 put the WA rebate at about $130 per usable kWh (capped around $1,300) for Synergy customers and about $380 per kWh (capped around $3,800) for Horizon Power customers. These are reported, not official, and the scheme has changed more than once, so verify on the WA Government page before you quote them.