Execution, operation and close out

Who is this for?

Major customers that have completed the Planning stage and have an executed Access Offer.

How long will it take?

Project specific

How much will it cost?

Project specific

Connection process

Execution

During this stage we will complete the dynamic network studies, detailed design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the required network modifications and your facility (as applicable) under the terms of your Interconnection Works Contract (IWC).

Pre-Construction Activities

Below are the indicative costs and timings for each of the pre-construction activities that may be required: 

Network RMS Study

Western Power now offers two approaches for completing your network RMS study:

Western Power Expertise: Utilising our in-house expertise or collaborating with our panel suppliers, we can conduct the study for the integration of your Facility model to our SWIS model (PowerFactory). Our team's proficiency ensures a comprehensive evaluation, aligning with the latest industry standards and technological advancements.
Network RMS Self-Serve: You have the option to self-perform the study either by engaging an external consultant directly or using your in-house expertise. This process involves using the SWIS model and study package, with Western Power verifying the outcomes.

Please refer to Network RMS Study and the Facility Model Guideline for more information on model requirements . The Guideline enables Western Power to obtain the information needed to accurately predict the behaviour of the plant on an ongoing basis to fulfil several obligations such as planning, design, and network operation.

Activity	Estimated cost*	Estimate timeframe*	Customer inputs/deliverables required
Network RMS study (If Western Power completes study)	$55,000 (excluding GST)	10 weeks	Access Offer contracts (IWC and ETAC) executed, and payment/securities received
Network RMS study – Due diligence review (If Western Power reviews Customer self-serve study)	$30,000 (excluding GST)	8 weeks	Payment received Preferred connection option confirmed (from Connection Options Assessment) PowerFactory model of the Customer’s Facility. GPS R0 registered (for Transmission Connected Generating Systems) SWIS model Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) executed Network RMS study package submitted
Stage 1: EMT Studies (SMIB)	$30,000 (excluding GST)	5 weeks	Access Offer contracts (IWC and ETAC) executed, and payment/securities received Updated Connection Application PSCAD Model of the customers facility Model User Guide
Stage 2: EMT Studies (Networks)	$55,000 (excluding GST)	10 weeks	Access Offer contracts (IWC and ETAC) executed, and payment/securities received Updated Connection Application PSCAD Model of the customers facility Model User Guide
Detailed Design	Project specific	Project specific	Access Offer contracts (IWC and ETAC) executed, and payment/securities received

Construction and Commissioning

Below are the high-level activities and customer inputs/deliverables required:

Activity	Estimated cost*	Estimate timeframe*	Customer inputs/deliverables required
Procurement and Construction (including GPS Assessment R1 Validation - Generation only)	Project Specific	Project Specific	Access Offer contracts (IWC and ETAC) executed and all IWC customer deliverables have been satisfied, these may include: Final studies and designs completed Financial close achieved (payment or securities received) All land access agreements are in place All easements have been agreed All Environmental, Planning and Heritage Approvals have been provided All third-party approvals (gas, water, railway, telecommunications etc.) provided GPS R1 assessment submission (Generation only)
Non-thermal Limits Equation Study	Up to $40,000	Up to 8 weeks	Latest confirmed model fo the customers facility
Commissioning (including GPS Assessment R2 Validation - Generation only)	Project Specific	Project Specific	For market participant generators a Commissioning Test Plan, which documents commissioning tests to be performed, must be approved by AEMO in advance of any testing.

Operation and Close Out

Once constructed and commissioned, the new or modified connection assets can begin operating under the terms of the Electricity Transfer Access Contract (ETAC) and we can formally close out your project.

For generators, operation is subject to receiving an Approval to Generate Notification, in accordance with the WEM Rules.

Activity	Estimated cost*	Estimate timeframe*	Customer inputs/deliverables required
Project close out	$10,000 (excluding GST)	Up to 12 months	Nil

*The estimated costs and timeframes shown above are to be used as a guide and will vary depending on project specifics, such as facility size, connection voltage, complexity and geographic etc. The durations are based on all customer deliverables having been received and with no queuing time. Some activities may be able to happen in parallel.