The Western Australian Energy Disputes Arbitrator has certain electricity related functions conferred under the Electricity Industry Act 2004.

The Arbitrator may resolve disputes arising under:

• Chapter 10 of the Electricity Networks Access Code - negotiation of contracts for access to regulated electricity networks; and
• Chapter 10 of the Electricity Networks Access Code - where agreed by the parties to an access contract, the Arbitrator has jurisdiction to hear contractual disputes.

A party seeking to bring a matter before the Arbitrator for resolution should first contact the Economic Regulation Authority.

Regulations may be viewed on the website of the WA State Law Publisher. Click here to view the web page of the WA State Law Publisher.

The Arbitrator is subject to independence, financing and immunity provisions as provided for by the Energy Arbitration and Review Act 1998. The Arbitrator does not appoint permanent staff, but public service employees can be assigned to assist the Arbitrator perform his functions. The Arbitrator has an administrative arrangement with the Economic Regulation Authority for the provision of corporate services. The Minister for Energy may direct the Arbitrator in regard to general policies relating to matters of administration, including financial administration.

The Arbitrator has responsibility for the financial management of the Electricity Review Board and the provision of administrative support to the Board. As the Board does not hear appeals against the Arbitrator, its administrative accountability to the Arbitrator does not constrain or impair its independence.