Western Australia’s Energy Regulator Investigates Big-Battery Pricing

Western Australia’s Economic Regulation Authority says it is actively investigating unusual big-battery pricing in the state’s wholesale power market. Chair Steve Edwell said the regulator would examine suspected breaches and take compliance action where warranted. In one July 12 episode, coordinated charging by Synergy’s four large batteries lifted demand and pushed spot prices from about A$120 to more than A$350 per megawatt-hour. An ERA discussion paper is reviewing opportunity-cost calculations, frequent rebidding, charging after operator directions and portfolio-based offers; Synergy had not commented when the inquiry was reported.