Power to the customer in price model

Horizon Power’s pricing pilot has attracted praise from Hedland users as the first round of feedback comes in.

In January, more than 346 Port Hedland residents and 61 businesses took part in a pilot program called Power Ahead in which participants were to check their electricity use and work with Horizon Power to develop a new way of charging for electricity.

Resident John Love, who participated in the pilot, said the program encouraged the family to use one air-conditioned room during peak hours rather than their usual five, bringing their family together.

“When I received a text message from Horizon Power advising to reduce my electricity use, I would walk around the house to see what devices were turned on — it was really useful,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I received at least one text message a day about reducing my usage, but the no-tifications were a very good feature.”

To assist participants in their usage, Horizon Power developed an app allowing residents to track their electricity use and receive alerts and notifications to help them stay within their allowance.

Based on the results of the pilot program, a pricing plan model will be implemented.

Horizon Power managing director Frank Tudor said the new pricing model based on the pilot would offer benefits to customers by allowing Horizon to integrate renewable energy systems and other new technologies into the grid without increasing Government subsidies.

“A mobile phone style of electricity plan would give customers more choice and control over their electricity bills,” he said

“Customers would be able to choose a plan that matched their peak energy usage, with lower-cost plans available to those who use less energy during peak times.”

The proposed plans will have a set fixed price and a much low-er variable price for daily electricity use, according to Horizon Power.

Customers who stay below their peak allowance will also receive financial incentives.