Guides

Straight answers on batteries, safety switches and EV charging

Name: Coastline Electrical
Address: Joondalup, WA, 6027, AU
Telephone: 0491 570 156

Plain-English guides to the WA rules and rebates customers ask us about most. Each one links to the official source.

G1 · Batteries
G2 · Safety switches
G3 · EV charging

Guide 01

Adding a battery: the WA and federal rebates

What the WA Residential Battery Scheme offers, who qualifies, and how it fits with federal support.

Checked October 2026

What the WA scheme gives you

The WA Residential Battery Scheme takes money off the price of a new home battery. It's usually applied as an upfront discount on your quote.

Up to $1,300 for Synergy customers
Up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers
Both based on 10 kWh of usable capacity

The conditions

The rebate comes with a few strings, and it pays to know them before you choose a battery.

The battery must be new and able to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
Your household must sign up to a VPP
It must be bought from an approved vendor under the scheme
The scheme runs until 100,000 rebates are given out, currently expected into 2027

No-interest loans

Households with a combined income under $210,000 can apply for a no-interest loan of up to $10,000, repaid over up to 10 years.

Federal support

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program can be combined with the WA rebate. It changed on 1 May 2026, with support now tapering for capacity above 14 kWh, so we work out the current figure for your system on the quote.

Guide 02

Safety switches (RCDs): what WA requires when you sell or rent

The minimum number of safety switches, who's responsible, and how often to test them.

Checked October 2026

Selling a home

Before the title transfers, the home needs at least two RCDs protecting all power point and lighting circuits.

Renting a home

Rentals need at least two RCDs at the switchboard, and it's the landlord's responsibility. Short-term rentals need them in place before guests arrive.

Who can install them

Only a licensed electrical contractor can install RCDs. Once they're in, press the test button every three months, or more often if the manufacturer says so.

Guide 03

Charging an EV at home on Synergy's EV plan

Who can use it, the cheap daytime window, and what happens with your meter.

Checked October 2026

Who can use it

It's for Synergy households with a plug-in EV registered with the WA Department of Transport in the same name and at the same address as the power account.

The cheap window

The add-on includes a cheaper daytime rate from 9am to 3pm, which pairs nicely with a charger and rooftop solar. Rates change each July, so check Synergy for the current price.

Your meter

You'll need a compatible advanced meter. Western Power may need to reprogram or replace yours, and a fee may apply.

Q&ACommon questions

Things people ask us

Do you charge a call-out fee?

No. Coming out to look at the job and give you a fixed quote doesn't cost anything.

Do you work after hours?

No, and we'd rather be upfront about it. We work Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm, with same-day callouts for outages and safety issues inside our service area. If there's any sign of fire, turn the power off at the main switch and call 000.

Do I need a new switchboard if I still have ceramic fuses?

Usually it's the right move. Ceramic fuses offer no protection for people, and you'll need safety switches if you sell or rent. We'll look at your board and give you a fixed quote either way.

Can I add a battery to my existing solar?

In most cases, yes. We check your inverter and switchboard, then explain your options and which rebates apply before you commit.

How long is your guarantee?

Twelve years on our workmanship, on every job.

Talk to a local electrician

0491 570 156

Call during business hours and you'll speak to someone who knows the work. Or send a request and we'll come back to you with a fixed quote.

Mon to Fri 7am to 5pm, Sat 8am to 12pmRequest a quote