Approvals

Regulatory Test preparation and submission

In parallel with the consultation process, the preparation of the Regulatory Test submission for the Shenton Park project is being progressed. An important part is seeking input on the proposed works for Shenton Park substation.

Shenton Park Regulatory Test

Overview

The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) requires all major power augmentation proposals (proposals to upgrade the network) to be approved under clause 9.15 of the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 (the Code). Under section 9.15 of the Code, Western Power must make a Regulatory Test submission to the ERA before it can commit to a reinforcement project. 

The Regulatory Test requires Western Power to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the ERA, that the major network augmentation has been:

“properly assessed to determine whether it maximises the net benefit after considering all reasonable alternative options”.

The Regulatory Test also requires Western Power to undertake a public consultation process which:

  • is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Appendix 7 of the Code
  • gives all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to state their views and to propose alternative options

Western Power must demonstrate that it is has had regard to those views and alternative options.

Public consultation approach

Clause 9.16(c) of the Code states the requirements for public consultation. The overall aim is to undertake a comprehensive and inclusive process which will meet the needs of the ERA, Western Power, stakeholders and the community. 

One of the key investments for the Western Terminal Reinforcement Project is the upgrade of Shenton Park substation to operate at 132/11 kV. Western Power is now undertaking consultation on this proposal.

Options and invitation to input

An Options Paper (PDF 2.9 Mb) has been prepared to help facilitate the public consultation process. 

The preferred option is to upgrade Shenton Park and Medical Centre Substations to operate at 132/11 kV, transfer the load from Herdsman Parade to Shenton Park and transfer the load from University to Medical Centre and then decommission both Herdsman Parade and University Substations.

One of the key investments is the upgrade of Shenton Park Substation and Western Power now seeks the input from all interested parties on the preferred option and this proposal. 

Public forums

Public forums will be held on the 27 March 2012 at the Hollywood Bowling Club (42 Smyth Road, Nedlands) at the following times:

2.30 - 3.30pm and 5.30 - 6.30pm

Invitations to make submissions are also available via email or by post as follows.

  • Email
    Email submissions can be made to via this address shentonpark@westernpower.com.au

    Please include in the subject header “Submission – Shenton Park Substation” to ensure your submission is received in time.
  • Post
    Submissions can be posted to:

    Shenton Park Substation
    Customer Service Centre
    Western Power
    GPO Box L921
    Perth WA 6842

Deadline

The public comment period will run from the 19 March 2012 to the 10 April 2012. 

The deadline for all submissions is 5pm, 10 April 2012.  Submissions beyond this date and time cannot be accepted.

Submission to the ERA

Once all of the submissions have been assessed, Western Power will make a submission to the ERA describing the Shenton Park project and how this project maximises net benefits while considering the alternative options. This will be done in light of all of the input received during the public comment period.

Timeline

The timetable shown in Table 1 below is proposed for the Shenton Park Regulatory Test process.

Table 1: Proposed timetable for Shenton Park Regulatory Test process

Task Completion date
Public consultation documentation preparation February 2012
Review of documentation & endorsement & notices 2 March 2012
Public Consultation Period 19 March - 10 April 2012
Public forums 27 March 2012
Assessment of public submissions by Western Power 10 April 2012
Preparation of regulatory test submission by Western Power 16 April 2012
Endorsement of Regulatory Test submission by Western Power Board 24 April 2012
Regulatory test submission by Western Power 7 May 2012

It should be noted that the ERA has definite periods defined in the Code in which it must respond to the submission. A key risk to the proposed timetable is that the ERA may decide to undertake its own public consultation process in which case the decision making process is extended.  Western Power will attempt to manage this risk by conducting a thorough public consultation process by having a reasonable consultation period and conducting various public workshops in the areas impacted by the proposed works. Western Power will also be available to answer calls and questions during the public comment period at request.

New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) preparation and submission

Unlike the Regulatory Test, the ERA does not have any restrictions over the period of time in which it must respond to the NFIT submission. For the Medical Centre project Western Power intends to submit the NFIT in March 2012.

For the Shenton Park project Western Power intends making the NFIT submission shortly after the Regulatory Test submission, in order to maximise the potential assessment period available to the ERA without resulting in a critical project delay. Informal assessment may proceed on the NFIT submission in the period during which the ERA are reviewing the Regulatory Test submission.  Formal assessment will not commence until the Regulatory Test decision is finalised. 

Planning approval

In many instances, there will be a requirement to seek local and state Government planning approval. Where this is required, plans need to be submitted as part of the development application for relevant approval. Due to the dollar value of the assets, most will require a decision from the as yet untested Development Assessment Panel (DAP) system. The development application should follow and reflect the outcomes of the community engagement process. Good engagement and demonstrable options assessment will facilitate smoother development assessment by the determining authority/ies. Where land is leased for in excess of 20 years for Western Power infrastructure, an application to obtain lease approval will be required to be submitted to the State Government.

Similarly, if infrastructure is planned in areas of environmental significance, referrals may be made to the Department of Environment and Conservation and Conservation Commission. Where this occurs, Western Power will endeavour to reduce the impact of its proposed activities and in line with the conditions which might be set by the approving bodies.

Shenton Park substation in particular will require development approval.  A development application will be submitted after the community engagement period has ended and at the same time as the ERA submission is completed and submitted.

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