Becoming an authorised contractor

Western Power has stringent rules that apply to anyone working on our behalf either close to or on our powerlines or network equipment. To do this you must become an authorised contractor.

Examples of authorised contractors include:

  • underground cable layers and jointers
  • tree pruners
  • line washers and line workers
  • pole inspectors

Western Power's authorisation requirements are summarised in the following table:

 

Required authorisation

Work location

Network Access
(refer Switching Manual*)

Switching Certification
(refer Switching Manual*)

Operational Authorisations
(Contact PTS 9411 7888**)

Western Power substations

Yes

Yes

Pending

Transmission network

Pending

Yes

Pending

Distribution network

Pending

Yes

Yes

All other

Pending

Pending

Pending

* Issued at the discretion of the WP representative or when relevant authorisation has been granted.
** Power training services (PTS)

How to apply

To apply for authorisation contractors must:

  1. be registered with Western Power and receive a Western Power ID number.
  2. complete any required training (providing their Western Power ID number with the training application)
  3. apply for authorisation (providing their Western Power ID number with the authorisation request forms)

The process to becoming authorised is described below.

Requirement 1. Registration* 2. Training 3. Authorisation
Network Access

Complete Contractor registration form (PDF 56kb)

First contact Power Training Services to confirm relevant pre-requisite course:

Then complete the online course registration or print friendly course registration (PDF 36kb) forms.

 Granted when required training is completed
Switching Certification

Contact your Western Power representative for the:

  • IT access request forms (DMS3967544/DMS4205204)
  • Switching authority request (DMS1955461)
Operational Authorisations

Complete Contractor authorisation request form (PDF 34kb) 

 

Registration 

Contractors who were issued an 'Orange Book' before 30 June 2008 DO NOT need to submit a contractor registration form.  For these contractors, your Western Power ID number is '888' plus your four digit 'Orange Book' number. For example 8880001, 8880024, 8880157, or 8881173.

Contact us

For more information please email contractor.authorisations@westernpower.com.au.

Training

Power Training Services WA provides a range of courses to help you achieve authorisation and accreditation. 

Related links

To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.