Connections and metering

This information is for electrical consultants and contractors.

Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual

The purpose of this first edition of the Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual (PDF 4.8mb) is to provide a comprehensive single point of reference for industry and the community when seeking an electrical connection of a customer’s installation to the distribution network of:

Horizon Power’s North West Interconnected System (NWIS);
Horizons Power’s Regional Non-Interconnected Systems (RNIS);
Western Power’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

This Manual supersedes the following Western Power's previously published documents including:

Transitional (Interim Edition) Connections Manual ( issued August 2008)
Substation Standards DSB 95/5 (issued April 2009) and DSB 95/6 (issued May 2009)
The Metering Requirements (issued September 2006)
415 Volt Switchboard - Current Transformers, Meter Panels and Wiring. (issued June 2004)
Policy and Technical Requirements for AMR Systems (DMS 1401689 v13)
Service Protection Devices (SPD's) (issued June 2003)

Metering requirements

Western Power’s Metering Requirements manual has been superseded by and its content transferred to Section 11 of the Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual. The used of this manual is only applicable to works commenced prior to the 1st of June 2010.

Contractor connect scheme

The Contractor Connect Scheme (PDF 231kb) provides the electrical contracting industry with information relating to Western Power’s connection process.

Contractor connect scheme management plan

The Management Plan (PDF 220kb), Contractor Connect Scheme provides the electrical contracting industry with a sample management plan that is obligated under the Contractor Connect schemes entry requirements.

Contractor authorised changeover scheme

The Contractor Authorized Changeover Scheme (PDF 207kb) outlines the requirements under which a Contractor Connect operative may perform changeovers.

Portable builders supply pole scheme

The Portable Builders Supply Pole Scheme (PDF 113kb) provides the technical and administration details of Western Power's Portable Builders Supply Pole Scheme. Electrical contractors must comply with all requirements in order to participate in the scheme.

Service connect scheme guidelines

The Service Connect Scheme (PDF 412kb) is designed to provide the electrical contracting industry with information on how to gain accreditation to connect consumers' service apparatus into Western Power supply pillars and to install direct wired kWh master meters. It also lists the mandatory scheme requirements and electrical contractor/ worker obligations to remain accredited.

Service connection test form (WORD 123kb)

Current transformer (CT) metering

The 415 Volt Switchboard - Current Transformers, Meter Panels and Wiring manual has been superseded by and it content transferred to Section 11 of the Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual. The used of this manual is only applicable to works commenced prior to the 1st of June 2010.

The Design and Quote Application form is necessary to arrange for Current Transformer (CT) metering when there will be no increase in demand - e.g. when replacing an existing switchboard or metering.

Automated meter reading (AMR)

The Policy and Technical Requirements for AMR Systems manual has been superseded by and it content transferred to Section 11 of the Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual. The used of this manual is only applicable to works commenced prior to the 1st of June 2010.

The Automated Meter Reading (AMR) System Application form (PDF 79KB) is to be submitted to Western Power prior to an AMR system being installed. It outlines the project details and enables Western Power to liaise with the AMR installer in relation to metering and communication issues.

Application for review of re-inspection fee

Electrical contractors who disagree with the application of an Inspector's Order (I-type) can request a Review of the Re-inspection Fee (PDF 98KB).

Accept charges for Western Power services

Electrical contractors asking Western Power to undertake work on behalf of their customers should complete a Request for Western Power Network Service. (PDF 116KB). Once agreement is established, and we have received the Preliminary Notice, we will bill the electrical contractor for the services.

Process for contestable customers

The process for submitting notices is different, depending on whether the load is contestable or not.

Non contestable loads

For anticipated loads below 5.7KW (50MWh/year), the process is:

Complete a Design and Quote Application form and submit a Preliminary Notice to Western Power's Connections Office (Locked Bag 2025, Perth WA 6001).
Electronic ticketing (ETIC) can still be used to submit forms, however, users will not be allowed to enter a value into the Calculated Maximum Demand field on the Preliminary and Completion Notices for New Connections of 100 Amps or more. A maximum demand of this size strongly indicates that the customer is contestable and hence the Contestable Loads process outline applies.
Connect the underground consumer mains to the power dome and install a meter (assuming the electrical contractor is appropriately accredited).

Contestable loads

For anticipated loads above 5.7KW (50MWh/year), the process is:

Complete a Design and Quote Application form and submit a Preliminary Notice to Western Power's Connections Office (Locked Bag 2025, Perth WA 6001) with the comment "Anticipated load to exceed 5.7kW".
Advise your customer to choose a retailer as soon as possible. The electrical connections cannot proceed until Network Access Services has accepted the individual nomination for your customer from a retailer.
Electrical contractors cannot install meters for any load that will exceed 5.7kw (50MWh/year).

Contact us

For more information or help with these processes, please call contact Centre on 13 10 87.