Update archive

Update - Economic Regulation Authority – Recommends Stage 1 of the Mid West Energy Project (Southern Section)

Western Power has achieved a crucial milestone in its plans to build the State's biggest power line infrastructure project. The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) confirmed that Western Power's Mid West Energy Project, MWEP, (southern section) had passed the Regulatory Test.

The ERA has 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 MWEP is to be delivered in two separate stages:

  • Stage 1 - Will connect Neerabup (Perth) to Three Springs with a 330kV double circuit line. This will enable a connection to the Karara Mine in the Mid West and provide additional support to the Mid West by establishing a new 330/132 kV terminal substation at Three Springs.
  • Stage 2 - Connection through to Moonyoonooka (Geraldton). Western Power is currently developing a project proposal, with engagement of stakeholders in the community continuing over the next twelve months. Infrastructure Australia considers Stage 2 an initiative with real potential and of key national significance.

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.

The ERA's Notice and final determination reports are listed below.

For further information on the ERA determination please refer to the ERA website.

Western Power is currently preparing a pre-New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) submission to ERA to provide certainty around the value of the project.

Western Power would like to thank everybody who attended and contributed to the public submissions, briefings, meetings and public forums.

Update- Economic Regulation Authority – Invitation for Public Submissions – Mid West Energy Project (Southern Section)

On 20 December, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) announced that they are seeking public comment on Western Power's proposed Mid West Energy Project (Southern Section)- a Major Augmentation Proposal which Western Power recently submitted to the ERA under Chapter 9 of the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 for determination on whether it satisfies the Regulatory Test.

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 Notice, which details their public submission process, and an Issues Paper to assist the submission process are available on the link below. We highly recommend reading the Issues Paper as it outlines the key areas about which the ERA are seeking submissions.

Note that submissions to the ERA close at 4.00 pm (Western Standard Time) on 6 January 2011.

UPDATE: November 2010 - Major Augmentation Proposal - Mid West Energy Project (Stage 1) Submission to the Economic Regulation Authority

Western Power is pleased to announce that on 25 November we lodged the Major Augmentation Proposal for the Mid West Energy Project (Stage 1) - a 330 kV double circuit line from Neerabup - Karara (via Eneabba) with the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA).

The ERA will now determine whether Western Power's Major Augmentation Proposal for the Mid West Energy Project (Stage 1) - a 330 kV double circuit line from Neerabup - Karara (via Eneabba) satisfies the Regulatory Test.

This marks a significant milestone for the project, which, if approved, will be one of the most important infrastructure projects in Western Australia. It also follows a comprehensive public consultation process, which has included two public comment periods with a total of 37 submissions received, a number of stakeholder briefings, and a series of public forums in Perth, Geraldton and Three Springs.

Western Power would like to thank all stakeholders and community members who have been involved in the project to-date for their input into this important project. We will update you on the progress of our submission, and encourage you to contact us with any queries.

A copy of Western Power’s Major Augmentation Proposal can be viewed here:

To visit the Economic Regulation Authority's website and notice:

http://www.erawa.com.au/3/954/48/mid_west_energy_project_southern_section_augmentat.pm

UPDATE: October 2010 - Western Power responses to Round 2 submissions now available online.

Western Power responses to Round 2 submissions (PDF 1.1mb - large file)

UPDATE: Round 2 of Public Submissions are now online. Responses are being prepared and will be provided soon.

In addition to the 35 received previously, we have received 2 more submissions from the second round of consultation.

Round 2 submissions (PDF 570kb)

UPDATE: Revised Options Paper, public submissions and Western Power responses now available online

Thank you to everyone who provided submissions for the Mid West Energy Project Stage 1. A total of 35 were received, and Western Power's responses, as well as the revised Options paper are provided below.

To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.