Enquire to discuss connecting a large load or generator greater than 1MVA to our network.
The information below applies to the following types of generators and loads:
- all transmission load connections
- generator connections in excess of 1MVA.
Connecting transmission loads and large generators
During the enquiry stage, we provide guidance on your project and the information necessary to complete a connection application.
We'll provide an enquiry assessment, which will help you to identify a suitable network connection point and evaluate the feasibility of your project.
Submit an enquiry for a new connection
Submit an enquiry to modify an existing connection point
After your initial enquiry, if you want to progress with you project, you will need to complete and submit the transmission loads and generators application form.
During this stage we assess if your application is competing with other applications, any available or potential network capacity and any network constraints. Based on this assessment we identify viable options to connect you to the network.
Changes to the Access Code and WEM Rules have been gazetted to enable constrained access for generators. As a result, generator applicants do not compete for firm network capacity.
Submit your completed application
When submitting your application you may need to provide supporting information. Please note that we can only accept the submission of large files through Microsoft OneDrive.
During this stage we develop a scope of work for each option to modify the network, assess each option and select the final technical solution to be implemented.
To develop a solution, we will need models of your proposed facility to perform network studies. When submitting a model for a generating facility we also require a completed Generator Performance Standards (GPS) Template documenting the technical performance of your proposed facility, in accordance with the WEM Rules.
Please refer to the Load and Model Guidelines for more information on model requirements.
We prepare detailed designs, estimates, business cases and contracts for the final technical solution, to enable your connection to the network.
For generator connections, the generator performance standards for your facility will need to be finalised during this stage and before we can make you a final offer to connect.
We construct and commission the required network assets under the terms of a standard Western Power works contract.
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.
Once constructed and commissioned the new or modified connection assets become the property of Western Power and assets can begin operating. Access to the network utilising the new or modified network connection occurs pursuant to an Electricity Transfer Access Contract (ETAC).
For generators, operation is subject to receiving an Approval to Generate Notification, in accordance with the WEM Rules.
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.