The information below applies to the following types of generators and loads:
- all transmission load connections
- generator connections in excess of 1MVA.
Connection process overview
Enquiry
1
To commence this stage, you will need to complete and submit an Enquiry form and provide the relevant evidence for us to assess your project against the Critical Project Framework criteria at this stage to confirm you can keep progressing
During the enquiry stage, we will identify a suitable network connection option to assist you with evaluating the feasibility of your project and preparing a Connection Application.
Initiation
2
After your initial enquiry, if you want to progress with you project, you will need to complete and submit a Connection Application and provide the relevant evidence for us to assess your project against the Critical Project Framework criteria at this stage to confirm you can keep progressing.
During this stage we use your completed application and preferred connection option to perform network studies to identify network capacity and any network constraints. Based on this we will confirm the scope of work required to support the connection of your facility to the network.
Scoping
3
Before we commence Scoping stage activities and to confirm you can keep progressing, you will need to provide the relevant evidence for us to assess your project against the Critical Project Framework criteria at this stage.
During this stage we use the confirmed scope of work to prepare a concept design and Execution stage cost/timeframe estimate for the technical solution required to meet your project requirements.
Planning
4
Before we commence Planning stage activities and to confirm you can keep progressing, you will need to provide the relevant evidence for us to assess your project against the Critical Project Framework criteria at this stage. The Generator Performance Standards (generator connections) and dynamic model (all connections) for your facility will need to be assessed and validated before we make you an offer to connect.
During this stage we prepare the business case and Access Offer contracts for the final technical solution, to enable your connection to the network.
Execution, Operation and Close Out
5
During this stage we will complete the dynamic network studies, detailed design, procurement, and construction and commissioning of the required network modifications and your facility (as applicable) under the terms of your Interconnection Works Contract (IWC).
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.
Learn more about the Execution, Operation and Close Out stage
Supporting materials
This information will help you complete your connection application:
- Transmission System Plan
- Network capacity mapping tool
- Network Opportunity Map 2022
- Guideline for Transmission Connections to Western Power Grid
- Applications and Queuing Policy
- Non-Competing Application Thresholds
- Technical Rules
- Generator and Load Model Guidelines
- Model Sharing Fact Sheet
- Generator Performance Standards
- WEM Rules
- Major Customer Connections - insights data
- Major Customer Connection Process review update – September 2023
Useful links
Email us for further information.
Fees and charges
Following the cancellation, expiry, termination or variation of any invoice the applicant may be liable to pay an administration fee of $550 (inclusive of GST).
Western Power performs all works on a cost recoverable basis.
Suppliers
Western Power currently holds contracts with a number of suppliers to undertake ‘Network Planning and Power System Studies’, a defined service category under Western Power’s Professional Engineering Panel.
The table below lists the suppliers that Western Power has an active contract with under this category:
| Category supplier | Service category 13: Network Planning & Power System Studies |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Consultants Pty Ltd | Transmission only |
| Alliance Power and Data | Distribution and transmission |
| Ekistica Pty Ltd | Distribution only |
| Energyze Pty Ltd | Transmission only |
| Jacobs Group Pty Ltd | Distribution and transmission |
| Merz Consulting Pty Ltd | Distribution and transmission |
While suppliers have been qualified to perform services in this category directly for Western Power, this is not an endorsement of suppliers capability experience or performance, and customers should consider their individual project requirements and perform an independent assessment of the suppliers before engaging their services. The above table is not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of suppliers from which Western Power will accept work. We will work with suppliers that are not contained in the above table and are engaged by a customer provided they have the required capability and experience.
We're in the process of developing an accreditation framework, which will enable major customers to self-source elements of the transmission connection process using a list of Accredited Service Providers (ASP). The ASP framework is expected to be in place by 1 July 2024.