Previous updates
Update November 2011
On Monday 14 November, the Economic Regulatory Authority (ERA) released its draft determination on Western Power’s pre approval application for the New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) for the Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) Southern Section.
Western Power submits the New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) pre-approval to the Economic Regulation Authority – 3 August 2011
Western Power is pleased to announce the submission of our New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) pre-approval proposal to the Economic Regulation Authority, on 3 August 2011. The NFIT documentation will be made available on the ERA's website in the coming weeks, and we will update our website when it is available.
In principle, the New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) is a test for sound investment decisions. Essentially, it seeks to answer and make clear demonstration of the questions: – ‘are we planning to do the right things, at the right price, at the right time?’
The NFIT submission marks another key milestone in the development of this important project for Western Australia.
As part of the submission, Western Power has calculated Stage 1 will provide a total benefit in the order of $95m in real terms to the state, primarily from the benefits of connecting new industrial loads and anticipated new sources of wind generation.
Upon receipt of Western Power’s submission, the ERA will review the document and possibly conduct some public consultation with the opportunity for interested parties to put in submissions. Information about process will be published on the ERA website in the coming weeks with a decision likely at the end of the year.
Western Power’s NFIT application has been aligned to the Regulatory Test approval of the MWEP (southern section), which was approved in February 2011 by the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA).
Western Power will provide regular updates regarding progress via our website.
For more information about NFIT and the regulatory process, please refer to this page.
Please contact us if you would like to join our email updates list.
- In February 2011, Western Power achieved a crucial milestone in its plans to deliver Mid West Energy Project Stage 1 (Southern Section). The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) confirmed that Western Power’s MWEP (Southern Section) has passed the Regulatory Test. The ERA made the endorsement that a 330kV double circuit transmission line from Neerabup to Three Springs terminal is the most suitable means of providing power to the Mid West.
- The ‘Regulatory Test’ is an assessment of whether a proposed major augmentation maximises the net benefit to those who generate, transport and consume electricity in Western Power's covered network and any interconnected system, after considering alternative options.
- The ERA’s recommendation follows a comprehensive and extensive public consultation process, with a total of 37 public submissions, briefings, meetings and a series of public forums in Perth, Geraldton and Three Springs.
