The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) is the independent economic regulator for Western Australia.

The ERA has two main functions, to act as Western Australia’s economic regulator and to be an independent and transparent advisory body to the State Government. The ERA was established on 1 January 2004 as a body corporate with perpetual succession under section 4 of the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

In its regulatory role, the ERA assesses the terms and conditions, including prices, offered by owners of monopoly infrastructure to third parties in the gas, electricity and rail industries. It also licenses providers of gas, electricity and water services and monitors compliance with licensing conditions. The ERA also has a range of responsibilities in gas retailing and surveillance of the State’s wholesale electricity market.

In its advisory role, the ERA inquires into and reports on matters referred to it by the State Government. Inquiries, and the reports which follow, generally involve extensive public consultation carried out in an independent and transparent way. Unlike its regulatory role, the ERA is not a decision-maker when undertaking inquiries or preparing reports, but simply makes recommendations to the State Government.

The ERA’s functions are designed to maintain a competitive, efficient and fair commercial environment (particularly where businesses operate as natural monopolies) for the benefit of the Western Australian community.

The ERA makes its decisions and provides advice independent of industry, government, or other interests and is not subject to State or Ministerial direction in carrying out its regulatory or inquiry functions. In making its decisions, the ERA strives to promote fair prices, quality services and choice.

The ERA also provides administrative support to the Western Australian Gas (Energy) Disputes Arbitrator