How can I save power?
No cost
- Keep windows, curtains and blinds closed during the day to stop the summer sun from getting into the house
- At night time, open windows and blinds to let hot air out and cool air in. If you have west facing windows, open them in the late afternoon to let the sea breeze in
- At the start of summer, clean the filters in your air conditioner. This means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard when cooling your house
- Before turning on the air conditioner, try using a fan, you could save up to $200 a year
- Keep your air conditioner setting at 24 degrees – every degree lower you set your air conditioner can significantly affect running costs during the summer
- Keep the doors to the room you’re trying to cool closed when using the air conditioner. This prevents cool air from escaping and the air conditioner isn’t cooling rooms you’re not using
Low cost
- Put some shade cloth over your east and west facing windows. This will stop some of the sun before it hits your windows and heating up your house
- Plant deciduous trees/ bushes on the western and eastern sides of your house. These will block summer sun but let winter sun through
Higher cost
- Install roof insulation. This will prevent heat entering the house but also the cool air from your air conditioner escaping
- Install 'whirly birds' or roof ventilators on your roof. This will remove hot air from the roof cavity, helping keep the house cool
No cost
- Set your heater or thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees, as every degree warmer can increase your running costs by up to 10%
- When the temperature starts to drop, grab a jumper, some woolly socks or a blanket, instead of reaching for the heater or turning on your electric blanket
- Adjust your storage hot water system from 80°C to 60°C
- Close your curtains at night to trap the heat inside and check there are no drafts entering under doors or through cracks
- When you have the heater on, keep the doors shut and windows closed so the warmth stays in the room
Low cost
- Even a small 1200W bar heater can chew through a dollar every four hours. Reduce the heat loss from the room by using a more efficient product, like a high-star rated reverse-cycle air-conditioner or an oil heater with a thermostat that turns off the heating once a set temperature is reached
- An uninsulated ceiling means you could be losing up to 45% of your heating through the roof
For more tips and to create your personal energy saving plan visit Synergy.
Western Australia’s electricity use continues to grow, especially during peak periods. The term peak demand refers to the times of day when as a community our electricity consumption is at its highest. In addition, Western Power understands the rising cost of electricity is being felt by many households. By working together as a community to reduce our electricity use, particularly during peak periods, we can help to ensure a reliable and affordable supply for everyone.
Reducing your electricity use brings a number of benefits:
- Saving money:
- reducing your power bills
- in the long term by reducing the need for more generators and network infrastructure (costs which get passed onto customers)
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. While renewable sources of energy, like wind, play an increasing role in our system, the vast majority of our electricity is still generated from fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal. Reducing our electricity use reduces the flow of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Small changes to the way we use electricity can make a big difference.
- Turn off your second fridge and save up to $200 a year
- Turn off standby power and save up $150 a year
- Replacing your old incandescent lights with CFLs could save you up to $165 a year
- Replacing 10 downlights with 10 LED lights could save you up to $150 a year
- Adjusting your storage hot water system from 80 degrees to 60 degrees could save you up to $70 a year
- During summer and warm weather, try not to use your clothes dryer and save up to $95 a year
- Washing your clothes in cold water could save up to $40 a year
- Reducing washing machine and dishwasher loads by one each week, and only washing will full loads could save you up to $50 a year
- Two family members reducing their shower time from 8 minutes to 4 minutes could save up to $170 a year
- Make sure you don’t use your pool pump longer than is recommended in the operation manual. When you do use your pool pump, try to avoid the peak electricity use period of 4pm to 8pm
Before you leave don’t forget to:
- Turn your electrical appliances off at the wall – leaving your appliances on standby still uses electricity
- Turn off timers – if you have any appliances (including your air conditioner), on a timer make sure you don’t waste electricity and money by leaving them on when not needed
- Switch off the second fridge – if your second fridge is only used for keeping drinks cool, turning it off when you’re away is a simple way to save electricity
When you’re on holiday it’s easy to be energy efficient:
- When you go out switch off the air conditioner - closing curtains and blinds will block out the hot sun and keep it cool inside without wasting electricity
- Keep up your good energy saving habits – remember to not leave lights on and appliances on standby before you head out for the day
- Beat the peak between 4pm and 8pm – if you’re staying in a holiday home help beat the peak by using major appliances (e.g. dishwashers and washing machines), outside of these hours
Source: Perth Solar City program 2012, for more information visit perthsolarcity.com.au
The cost of electricity has risen sharply in recent years. If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay your power bill, help may be available.
The State Government offers rebates and concessions which provide financial assistance to eligible households.
What is peak demand?
Peak demand refers to the times of day when our electricity consumption is at its highest.
Annual peak demand occurs in summer during prolonged heat waves, usually between 5pm and 9pm when most people arrive home and switch on their air conditioners, TVs, lights and other household appliances. Air conditioner use amounts to nearly one third of the power consumed on the hottest days in January, February and March.
The peak demand during winter occurs on very cold weekday evenings when people heat their homes. Winter peak demand is slightly lower than summer peak demand, but has a significant impact in some areas of the network.
In the event of multiple days of high demand, we’ve several measures in place to proactively manage this. We cancel planned works where necessary, and in the event of unplanned outages we stand-up additional customer support staff, network controllers and ensure all available fault and repair crews are ready.
Community and crew safety is fundamental. We're mindful of re-energising around vegetation to mitigate bushfire risk as our network infrastructure traverses a lot of urban bushland and parks. Work in one area of the network can still cause a spark some distance away. So high fire weather conditions mean we’re restricted in our ability to locate faults and restore power.
Each peak demand events provides us with additional insight and vital new data that helps us plan equipment upgrades and reconfigure system settings to allow for extra flexibility in areas of unprecedented high demand.
When the temperature remains high into the evening and customer demand is sustained, our network infrastructure doesn’t have a chance to physically cool down. This can result in an increased risk of faults and localised outages.
During peak energy hours, you can help by shifting your energy use and reducing power consumption. Every small change adds up, as well as save you money on your electricity bills. You can help by:
- Using your high energy appliances outside of the peak hours between 5pm and 9pm
- Setting your air conditioner to 24 degrees in hot weather and 20 degrees in cooler weather
- Running your dishwasher and washing machine in the morning avoiding use between the hours of 5-9pm
- Using your pool pump in the middle of the day
- Turning off appliances at the wall as they still use power on standby
- If you have solar power, setting your timer to run appliances in the middle of the day to get the most from the sun
We're building a modular grid of the future that will lead the way to a cleaner, brighter and more resilient energy supply.
We’re transforming the network to enable our customers to better harness batteries, rooftop solar and electric vehicles, which offers more choice in generating, storing, and using energy. The growing adoption of these devices is expected to help manage power demand by enabling households to have greater control over when and how much electricity they consume.
We’re continuing the roll out of our Advanced Metering Infrastructure which gives us greater insight into power usage across the network, enabling us to enhance our forecasting and refine where we target our investments to improve reliability.
Heatwaves are considered three or more consecutive days of unusually high temperatures. Both temperatures and electricity demand tend to rise in the third and fourth days of consecutive hot days, as air conditioners increase output to manage the accumulating heat inside buildings.
The grid works hard during heatwaves. The combination of high electricity demand and high temperatures can impact the operation of key infrastructure like generators and transmission lines, increasing the risk of localised outages.
Electricity supply can be interrupted due to faults or heat-related strain in a generator (or generators), or when a transmission line capacity is reduced to avoid equipment damage resulting from high temperatures or shut off because of the risk of bushfires.
Localised unplanned outages are an interruption to the transmission or distribution of electricity that is unscheduled and can occur as a result of range of causes including: damage to wires caused by storms, lightning strikes, falling trees or branches, motor accidents, bushfires, equipment failure and high demand (overloading).
They can involve a handful or hundreds of homes and businesses depending on the cause, and supply is restored once repairs take place.
New connections
Sometimes your circumstances change and you may need to cancel or change the information within your application after you have submitted it to us.
If you wish to change the scope of work in your application we will first review the change and then either:
- continue the project with the variation and invoice you for any additional materials, design work and remobilisation costs incurred. We will typically only take this approach when the change is very minor.
or
- if the change is significant we will cancel your project. You will need to submit a new application with your new requirements.
For cancelled applications we will invoice you for the costs incurred up to the point of cancellation (time and materials). If construction work has already commenced we will refund the difference from your access offer less any costs incurred.
We use thresholds to help determine ‘competing’ load applications as part of our Applications and Queuing Policy (AQP). Thresholds are currently defined by demand values for a given load area or network region.
Following a review of the threshold levels in June 2014, we revised our ‘Non-Competing Application Thresholds’ test and will now only consider new load applications which meet the following two criteria to be non-competing for the purpose of the AQP.
- The total load must not exceed 1.5 MVA for its National Metering Identifier (NMI), and
- The load application must be eligible for network tariffs RT1-RT6.
Customers on network tariffs RT1 – RT6 best represent customers that are considered part of ‘natural load growth’.
The revised ‘Non-Competing Application Thresholds’ test will apply across the South West Interconnected Network (SWIN) from September 2014 and replaces all previous thresholds identified in our 2013 Annual Planning Report. This amendment will ensure there are consistent thresholds across the SWIN.
All load applications deemed to satisfy the two revised ‘Non-Competing Application Thresholds’ test criteria will be granted firm access to the SWIN. All other load applications will be subject to a Competing Applications Group if there are multiple applications behind a common network constraint, or as part of an Applicant-Specific Solution process.
Strata schemes typically have a single connection point to the Western Power network that determines the total allocation of available electricity supply and generation capacity to be shared by all strata lots.
This connection point has a fixed capacity, so it's important for strata lot owners and prospective purchasers to be aware of the arrangements and obligations relating to the connection, as it may restrict their ability to install equipment such as home EV charging stations, rooftop solar panels and batteries.
Before applying to connect this type of equipment, strata lot owners should first seek permission from their strata company to use an allocation of the total network capacity allocated to the strata scheme.
Failing to do this may prevent other strata lot owners from connecting their own equipment, or require the strata company to upgrade the connection to the Western Power network to accommodate the needs of all strata lot owners.
It's important to remember that the strata company is ultimately responsible for the management of the common connection to the Western Power network and the common electrical system within the strata scheme. Effective management of this shared resource will allow the benefits of renewable energy solutions to be shared by the all strata lot owners.
More information about strata titling principles can be found in Landgate's Guide to strata titles.
See also: How do I apply for solar power in a lifestyle village, large strata or other multi-residential site?
Western Power is regulated by the state government in terms of how it can earn revenue. Our revenue (through tariffs) is determined by the size of our Regulated Asset Base (RAB).
When streetlights are added to the RAB they have an economic life of 20 years. If a streetlight is replaced or upgraded to LED lighting when it is younger than 20 years old, there’s still some value in there that we haven’t recovered back yet.
Submitting an application
Type your email into the mandatory field and press "send now". This will retrieve your application.
Click ‘save for later’ at the top of the application. This takes you to screen where you can email yourself a link to retrieve the application. If you do not do this, you will need to start again.
Check the file size and the type of file.
If you are still having problems, contact us online with the project reference number, attaching the document and explaining that you had trouble with the upload.
For small residential connections, submit an application to increase your power supply. You may have to go underground depending on the project scope.
Your application will be assessed by a designer who will then get in touch with you.
You will be charged a design fee upon lodging your application.
Once your project proceeds to construction phase the design fee, excluding GST, is deducted from the price on your Access Offer and Acceptance.
Sometimes your circumstances change and you may need to cancel or change the information within your application after you have submitted it to us.
If you wish to change the scope of work in your application we will first review the change and then either:
- continue the project with the variation and invoice you for any additional materials, design work and remobilisation costs incurred. We will typically only take this approach when the change is very minor.
or
- if the change is significant we will cancel your project. You will need to submit a new application with your new requirements.
For cancelled applications we will invoice you for the costs incurred up to the point of cancellation (time and materials). If construction work has already commenced we will refund the difference from your access offer less any costs incurred.
The bill of materials is a TXT file based on the DDC manual created from Microstation or DQM CU EXPORT FACILITY and generated by the DQM/CAD Interface. Your bill of materials is to be provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4.
Your CAD plan helps us better understand your work site and location of assets. We extract data from your plan to assist us with your design. See example here.
A civil National Engineering Register (NER) certification verifies that the substation retaining walls are structurally sound and/or battered slopes are suitable for their purpose. This certification must be provided in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 5.3.18.
A concept plan provides us with a view of the subdivision, the scale of the project and nature of the proposed electrical network. Together with stage timing information, we can undertake planning assessments and produce a Design Information Package(DIP). See example of HV concept plan.
Design drawings are provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4. The drawings must be geospatially correct by incorporation of Map Grid of Australia MGA94 grid system. Other design drawing requirements are in Appendix 4 of the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual.
The information allows us to check the impact of your loads on the network. You must comply with Power Quality limits as per AS/NZS 61000.3.11, SA-SNZ TR IEC 61000.3.14 and Western Power Technical Rules.
A site plan provides us with an understanding of your work site, the location of existing and new assets and help us to design your product.
You must have authorisation from your neighbour if your project will impact their property.
Site photos help us understand your current connection arrangements and more easily identify potential site specific issues.
New pillar installations
As part of an application for a new pillar installation you'll need to include two site pictures:
- A close up picture of the proposed pillar installation site that shows the pegged property boundary and the proposed location of the pillar
- A picture showing 3m into every direction of proposed pillar location.
Existing electrical installation (overhead to underground conversion)
As part of an application for a overhead to underground conversion you'll need to include a site picture that:
- clearly shows the existing overhead electrical installation
- has a pegged property boundary.
Electrical contractor service requests
1. Application
By completing and submitting a *Service Request the *Applicant agrees to enter into the *Contract with *Western Power comprising the:
a) *Service Request; and
b) *Terms and Conditions,
and commencing upon *Western Power’s receipt of the *Service Request.
2. Review of *Service Request
1) Upon receipt of the *Service Request submitted by the *Applicant, *Western Power will review the *Service Request and determine, in its absolute discretion, whether or not to proceed with the *Service.
2) Following the review of the *Service Request pursuant to clause 1, *Western Power will notify the *Applicant whether or not *Western Power will proceed with the *Service.
3. Fees
The fee for the *Service comprises:
a) is set out in the fee schedule published by *Western Power on its website at:
https://westernpower.com.au/connections/electrical-contractor-service-request/; and
b) any additional charges reasonably incurred by *Western Power as a result of the *Assumed Conditions not being met.
4. Payment
1) The *Applicant must pay the fees for the *Service up front using *Western Power’s online payment system as used from time to time unless the fees are incurred under clause 3(b) above in which case:
a) Western Power will issue the *Applicant with a tax invoice for the fees for the *Service calculated in accordance with clause 3(b); and
b) the *Applicant must pay the tax invoice within 30 days of the date of issue of the tax invoice. The date of issue will be specified on the tax invoice.
2) In terms of payments made using *Western Power’s online payment system the *Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:
a) Western Power’s online payment system may be operated by a third party financial institution and as such information provided by the *Applicant on that system will be held in accordance with the relevant financial institution’s privacy policy; and
b) Western Power will issue the *Applicant with a cash receipt following payment.
5. Performance of the *Service
*Western Power does not guarantee the timeframe for the commencement or completion of the *Service.
6. Assumed conditions
1) The *Service is provided on the basis of the following assumed conditions:
a) there is suitable electricity supply from the *Network infrastructure in the street fronting the *Supply Address to enable the *Service to be performed;
b) *Western Power has unobstructed access at all times during the performance of the *Service to the electrical infrastructure on the *Supply Address which are necessary for *Western Power to perform the *Service (e.g. the meter, pillar and conductors);
c) the location and height of the electrical conductors servicing the *Supply Address fulfil the requirements of *Western Power’s Distribution and Connections Manual and EnergySafety’s Western Australian Electricity Rules;
d) the electrical installation at the *Supply Address is ready to be connected to the *Network and conforms with all of *Western Power’s technical requirements including those set out in Western Power’s Distribution and Connections Manual;
e) an EnergySafety Preliminary Notice issued pursuant to the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 (WA) being received by *Western Power prior to the *Service commencing, except for isolations for non-electrical work or where an isolation of an existing installation is required to perform the works e.g., phase conversion, overhead to underground conversions, an appointment for electrical works;
f) a Notice of Completion issued pursuant to the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 (WA) being received by *Western Power from an appropriately licensed electrical contractor prior to *Western Power performing the Service where the *Services relate to electrical works and require the installation of a meter where the electrical installation being energised has not previously been connected to the network such as temporary overhead supplies, new installations;
g) an appropriately licensed electrical contractor engaged for or on behalf of the *Applicant is in attendance on the *Work Site at the time *Western Power performs the *Service where the *Service relates to electrical work;
h) for isolations for non-electrical work, sub meter to master meter and phase conversion, the *Work Site contact person must be in attendance and it is recommended that an electrical contractor be available to attend on site, if required;
i) the *Supply Address electrical installations are safe;
j) the *Applicant removes and replaces of the meter panel at the *Supply Address if it contains asbestos or fibreglass or is otherwise deemed as requiring replacement by *Western Power;
k) the *Applicant delivers any *Applicant deliverables communicated by *Western Power in the comments section of the Service Request to the *Applicant;
l) all information provided by the *Applicant to *Western Power to be used by *Western Power with respect to the *Service is accurate;
m) during the performance of the *Service, the *Applicant provides *Western Power any information it reasonably requests from the *Applicant within a reasonable timeframe;
n) the *Applicant provides to *Western Power access to the *Work Site and any related approvals as reasonably required by *Western Power for its performance of the *Service, as and when *Western Power requires such access;
o) *Western Power is not required to provide the *Applicant with additional information, including explanations, justifications, proving established *Western Power methods, and presentation of alternative options with respect to the *Service;
p) the *Service can be performed in a continuous manner.
2) If Western Power identifies that any *Assumed Conditions have not been met then *Western Power will not be obliged to carry out the *Service but may do so, in its discretion, after any necessary rectification works have occurred.
7. Work Site
The *Applicant and the Applicant’s *Personnel must:
a) not cause any damage or interference with the performance of the *Service, the *Work Site or *Western Power’s *Personnel or equipment; and
b) observe all reasonable requirements, directions or instructions of *Western Power and its *Personnel when at the *Work Site.
8. Limit of liability
1) To the extent permitted by law and subject to clauses 2 and 8.3, *Western Power will have no liability for any *Loss to the *Applicant in connection with the performance of the *Service, howsoever arising, except in relation to defects in the *Service which will be limited to the re-performance of the *Service.
2) Subject to clause 3, a *Party has no liability to the other, nor is a *Party entitled to make any *Claim, in respect of any *Indirect or Consequential Loss incurred or sustained by the other *Party as a result of any act or omission of that *Party (whether negligent or otherwise) or as a result of a breach of the *Contract by that *Party.
3) The limitations of liability in clause 2 do not apply in respect of any fraud, deliberate default or wilful misconduct or any act or omission done or not done by a *Party with a reckless disregard for the consequences by the other *Party (or any other person for whom the *Applicant or *Western Power is responsible).
9. Ownership
The *Applicant acknowledges and agrees that all physical works installed as part of the *Service and all *Intellectual Property* in the design and installation of those works will at all times be held by and remain the property of *Western Power, and the *Applicant will not acquire any proprietary or other interest in any of those works by reason of the *Contract or action or any representation under the *Contract except where *Western Power determines otherwise.
10. Property boundaries
1) The *Applicant is responsible for accurately pegging all applicable property boundaries to enable the accurate placement of any works associated with the *Service.
2) If *Western Power, in its absolute discretion, considers that the applicable property boundaries are not clearly defined by either surveyor pegs, full length fencing, existing definable permanent structures or local government services, *Western Power may provide *Notice to the *Applicant requiring the *Applicant to confirm the boundaries location by survey pegging prior to the *Service proceeding.
11. Work data and confidential information
1) All *Work Data will at all times be held by and remain the property of *Western Power, and the *Applicant will not acquire any proprietary or other interest in any of the *Work Data by reason of the *Contract or action or any representation under the *Contract.
2) Subject to clauses 3 to 11.6 (inclusive), the *Applicant will have the right to use the *Confidential Information for the purposes of progressing the *Service.
3) The *Parties must keep confidential, and not use or disclose, any *Confidential Information, except as permitted by the *Contract and immediately notify the other *Party if it becomes aware of any loss or unauthorised use, access, copying or disclosure of any *Confidential Information.
4) A *Party may, to the extent necessary disclose *Confidential Information to its *Personnel who have a specific need to access that *Confidential Information, but then only to the extent that they need, for the purposes of performing the relevant obligations or exercising the relevant rights arising under or pursuant to this *Contract.
5) The obligations in clause 3 do not apply to any disclosure of information:
a) to a *Party’s legal advisers who are under a duty of confidence;
b) made with the other *Party’s prior written consent, which can be withheld in its discretion or given subject to conditions;
c) required to be disclosed to any government agency in connection with the granting of any *Government Approval required under the *Contract or the fulfilment by *Western Power of any of its functions;
d) any disclosure required by any legal requirement (including any order of a court of competent jurisdiction) or the rules of any stock exchange or statutory duty or a government minister; and
e) which is, at the relevant time, in the public domain other than as a result of a breach by a *Party of its obligations under the *Contract.
6) The *Applicant must, and must procure that its *Personnel, either:
a) return to *Western Power; or
b) destroy or delete,
as *Western Power directs, all original documents and copies (including in electronic form) in the *Applicant’s possession, custody or control which comprise, contain, reproduce, are based on, utilise or relate to the *Confidential Information, at the earliest of the following:
c) as soon as such documents and other materials, or any of them, are no longer required by the *Applicant or its *Personnel, as applicable;
d) immediately on demand by *Western Power; or
e) the termination of the *Contract.
12. Freedom of information
1) The *Applicant acknowledges that *Western Power is legally bound by the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) and that the *Contract or *Work Data may become the subject of an application under that Act and access to them may need to be given to a third party in accordance with that Act.
2) *Western Power has no liability to the *Applicant whatsoever for giving access to a document in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA).
13. Default
1) If, during the *Contract, a *Party breaches the *Contract, the other *Party may issue a default *Notice specifying the breach details and requiring the defaulting *Party to remedy the default.
2) If a default occurs and the defaulting *Party fails to remedy it within ten *Business Days after receipt of a default *Notice then a critical default has occurred and the non-defaulting *Party may exercise its rights in accordance with clause 14.
14. Termination
1) This *Contract may be terminated by *Notice with immediate effect by:
a ) either *Party if the other *Party suffers an *Insolvency Event;
b) either *Party if the other *Party commits a critical default under clause 2; or
c) the *Applicant, at any time, for its sole convenience.
2) Termination of the *Contract is without prejudice to:
a) the rights and obligations of the *Parties under the *Contract arising prior to termination; and
b) except as otherwise provided in the *Contract, any rights or remedies which may be available to a non-defaulting *Party under the *Contract or at law or in equity.
3) Following the termination of this *Contract pursuant to clause 1 *Western Power will refund to the *Applicant any fees paid by the *Applicant for the *Service less any costs incurred by *Western Power in relation to the *Service up to the date of termination.
15. Dispute resolution
1) In the event of a dispute in relation to the subject matter covered by the *Contract, either *Western Power or the *Applicant must deliver a *Notice of dispute to the other *Party.
2) The *Party delivering the *Notice of dispute must provide enough information about the dispute for the other *Party to reasonably understand the dispute, the basis on which it is claimed and the relief that is claimed.
3) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all communications at or in relation to these meetings are without prejudice and confidential, and an agreement reached must be in writing and signed by both *Western Power and the *Applicant.
4) Neither *Party may issue proceedings to have a dispute determined unless the dispute is not resolved within 35 calendar days after the relevant *Notice of dispute was originally delivered (or such further period as the *Parties mutually agree).
5) Nothing in the *Contract affects the *Applicant’s rights under an electricity ombudsman scheme made under the Electricity Industry (Ombudsman Scheme) Regulations 2005 (WA) or the Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA).
16. GST
1) Unless the context indicates otherwise, words or expressions used in this clause which are defined in the *GST Act have the same meaning in this clause as in the *GST Act.
2) Unless otherwise stated, all amounts payable or the value of other consideration provided in respect of the supplies made under the *Contract are exclusive of *GST.
3) If a *Party (supplier) makes a taxable supply under or in connection with the *Contract:
a) the consideration otherwise payable or to be provided for that supply is increased by, and the *Party paying or providing the consideration (recipient) must also pay to the supplier, an amount equal to the *GST payable by the supplier on that supply;
b) the recipient must pay the *GST amount in Australian dollars, at the same time and to the same extent as it must pay or provide the consideration for that supply; and
c) the supplier must issue a tax invoice to the recipient of the supply at or before the time of payment of the *GST inclusive consideration or at such other time as the *Parties agree.
4) Where any amount is payable to a *Party as a reimbursement, offset, indemnification or similar payment calculated by reference to a loss, cost, expense or any other amount incurred by that *Party, then such amount must be reduced by any part of that loss, cost, expense or other amount which is attributable to *GST for which that *Party, or the representative member of any *GST group of which that *Party is a member, is entitled to an input tax credit.
17. Miscellaneous provisions
1) (Entire Agreement) This *Contract states all the express terms of the agreement between the *Parties in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings and agreements in respect of its subject matter.
2) (Subcontracting and assignment)
a) *Western Power may subcontract all or any part of the *Service to any person without the *Applicant’s consent.
b) The *Applicant must not assign, transfer or novate any rights or obligations under the *Contract without *Western Power’s prior written consent.
c) If *Western Power is restructured by *Law or through other means, including the use of subsidiary or associated companies or the transfer of assets, rights and liabilities, then the rights and obligations of *Western Power under the *Contract are assigned to and assumed by the appropriate legal entity as determined by *Western Power or the successors of *Western Power under the restructure.
3) (Variation) A variation of any term of the *Contract must be in writing and signed by the *Parties.
4) (Waiver) The failure of either *Party to enforce any provision of the *Contract will not affect that *Party’s rights to require complete performance by the other *Party, nor will the waiver of any breach of any provision be taken or held to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of any such provision or be a waiver of the provision itself. Any waiver to be effective must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the *Party granting the waiver.
5) (Severance) If any part of the *Contract is or becomes void, voidable or otherwise invalid or unenforceable, whether due to the provisions of any statute or otherwise, that part:
a) will be read down, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable; or
b) will be severed from the *Contract to the extent that all parts of the *Contract that are not or do not become void, voidable or otherwise invalid or unenforceable will remain in full force and effect and be unaffected by such severance.
6) (Supplementary rights) Any right that a *Party may have under the *Contract is in addition to (and does not replace or limit) any other right that the *Party may have.
7) (Giving effect to the *Contract) At the *Applicant’s cost, the *Applicant must do anything (including execute any document) and must ensure that its *Personnel do anything (including execute any document), that *Western Power may reasonably require to give full effect to the *Contract.
8) (Notices) A *Notice:
a) must be legible, in writing and delivered by hand or sent by pre-paid post or fax or email to:
i) *Western Power at:
A) post: Locked Bag 2520, Perth, Western Australia 6001;
B) fax: (08) 9225 2643;
C) online; or
ii) the *Applicant at the address, fax number or email address specified by the *Applicant in the *Service Request;
b) sent by post is regarded as being received on the second *Business Day following the date of postage;
c) sent by facsimile is regarded as being received one hour after it is sent on production of a transmission report by the machine from which it was sent which indicates that the facsimile was sent in its entirety to the recipient’s fax number, unless the recipient informs the sender that the *Notice is illegible or incomplete by 4.00pm on the next *Business Day after the day it was transmitted;
d) sent by email is regarded as being received one hour after it is sent, unless the sender receives notification from its or the recipient’s email server that the email is undeliverable or was not delivered; and
e) delivered or received other than on a *Business Day or after 4.00pm (recipient’s time) is regarded as being received at 9.00am on the following *Business Day and a *Notice delivered or received before 9.00am (recipient’s time) is regarded as received at 9.00am.
9) (Multiple parties) If the *Applicant is made up of more than one person, the following rules will apply:
a) an obligation imposed on the *Applicant is imposed jointly and severally on those persons who comprise the *Applicant;
b) a right of those persons who comprise the *Applicant is held by each of them severally;
c) any other reference to the *Applicant, is a reference to each of those persons who comprise the *Applicant separately, so that (for example) a representation, warranty or undertaking is given by each of them separately; and
d) the *Contract is enforceable against and binds each and every person who executes it, notwithstanding that any other person referred to in the *Contract has not executed it, or any other person has failed to perform any obligation or undertaking in it.
10) (Survival of terms) Clauses 6 (Limit of liability), 9 (Ownership), 11 (Work Data), 12 (Freedom of information) and 15 (Dispute resolution) in the *Contract, survive the termination of the *Contract and continue in full force and effect.
11) (No reliance) The *Applicant has not relied on any statement by *Western Power not expressly included in the *Contract.
12) (Consent of *Party) Whenever the *Applicant requires the consent or approval of *Western Power to do anything under or in respect of the *Contract, *Western Power may withhold its consent or approval or give it conditionally or unconditionally in its sole and absolute discretion unless expressly stated otherwise in the *Contract.
13) (Relationship of *Parties) The relationship of the *Parties is that of independent parties and nothing in the *Contract will be construed so as to constitute one *Party a partner, joint venturer, agent, employee or representative of the other, or to create any partnership or trust for any purpose whatsoever.
14) (Sale of goods) The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sales of Goods (1980) does not apply to the *Contract.
15) (Costs)
a) Each *Party must pay their own costs and expenses in respect of the negotiation, preparation and execution of the *Contract.
b) The *Applicant must pay the duty payable under the Duties Act 2008 (WA), if any, on the *Contract and any copies of the *Contract and any other document in connection with the *Contract.
16) (Electricity regime) Nothing in the *Contract in any way affects, limits or alters the:
a) rights and obligations of the *Parties under any applicable *Access Contract except as described in the *Access Contract;
b) *Applicant’s right to transfer electricity to or from *Western Power’s *Network; or
c) operation or effect of the Electricity Corporations Act 2005 (WA), Energy Operators (Powers) Act 1979 (WA), Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA), or any Regulations, By-laws or Orders or subsidiary legislation made under these Acts.
17) (Governing law and jurisdiction) This *Contract is governed by the law in force in Western Australia. Each *Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts exercising jurisdiction in *Western Australia and courts of appeal from them in respect of any proceedings arising out of or in connection with this *Contract.
18. Interpretation
1) In the *Contract, unless the contrary intention is expressed:
a) a reference to a statute, rule, ordinance or other law, includes regulations, codes and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements (whether in substantially the same or a different form) of any of them;
b) the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular;
c) the word “person” includes a firm, a body corporate, company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, authority, and any government agency as well as an individual;
d) the words “include” and “including” mean "include, without limitation" and "including, without limitation" respectively;
e) a reference to a person includes a reference to the person's administrators, successors, substitutes (including persons taking by novation) and assigns;
f) headings are inserted for convenience and do not affect the interpretation of the *Contract;
g) words of any gender include all genders;
h) other parts of speech and grammatical forms of a word or phrase defined in the *Contract have a corresponding meaning;
i) a reference to a clause, party, schedule, attachment or exhibit is a reference to a clause of, and a party, schedule, attachment or exhibit to, the *Contract and a reference to the *Contract includes any schedule, attachment and exhibit;
j) a reference to a document includes all amendments or supplements to, or replacements or novations of, that document;
k) a promise on the part of two or more persons binds them jointly and severally;
l) a reference to an agreement other than the *Contract includes a deed and any legally enforceable undertaking, agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing;
n) no provision of the *Contract will be construed adversely to a *Party because that *Party was responsible for the preparation of the *Contract or that provision; and
i) a reference to a body, other than a *Party (including an institute, association or authority), whether statutory or not:
ii) which ceases to exist; or
iii) whose powers or functions are transferred to another body,
is a reference to the body which replaces it or which substantially succeeds to its powers or functions.
19. Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the defined terms in column 1 below have the respective meanings in column 2:
|
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
|
*Access Contract |
the access contract under the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 (WA) that contains, or will contain, the connection point to which the *Service relates. |
|
*Access Offer |
has the meaning given to ‘access offer’ in clause 2.1 of the ‘Applications and Queuing Policy as defined under the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 (WA). |
|
*Applicant |
the applicant as described as such in the *Network Service Request. |
|
*Assumed Conditions |
the assumed conditions described in clause 6. |
|
*Business Day |
a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in Perth, Western Australia. |
|
*Claim |
a demand, action or proceeding of any nature whether actual or threatened. |
|
*Confidential Information |
the terms of the *Contract and all information which is received by one *Party from the other *Party under the *Contract (and includes *Work Data). |
|
*Contract |
has the meaning given in clause 1. *EnergySafety responsible for the technical and safety regulation of all the electrical and most of the gas industry in Western Australia. |
|
*Government Approvals |
approvals, certificates, permits, licences, consents, authorisations and agreements from or with a government agency necessary to perform the *Service. |
|
*GST |
the goods and services tax levied under the *GST Act. |
|
*GST Act |
A New Tax System (Goods And Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). |
|
*Indirect or Consequential Loss |
(a) includes loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of business opportunity and payment of liquidated sums, penalties or damages under any agreement (other than the *Contract); but (b) does not include damage or losses arising from *Claims by third parties or *Western Power’s *Personnel in respect of property damage, personal injury or nervous shock. |
|
*Insolvency Event |
the happening of any of the following: (a) a *Party informs the other *Party in writing or its creditors generally that it is insolvent or is financially unable to proceed with the *Contract; (b) execution is levied against a *Party by a creditor and is not stayed or discharged within 20 *Business Days; (c) if a *Party is an individual person or a partnership including an individual person and that person: (i) commits an act of bankruptcy or presents or has a bankruptcy petition presented against him or her or is made bankrupt; (ii) makes a proposal for an arrangement or a composition with his or her creditors or enters a debt agreement under Part IX or a personal insolvency agreement under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) or like provision under the law governing this *Contract; or (d) if a *Party is a corporation and: (i) it fails to comply with, or have set aside, a statutory demand within 20 *Business Days of the time for compliance; (ii) a meeting of creditors is called with a view to the corporation entering a compromise or arrangement with its creditors or it enters a deed of company arrangement with its creditors; (iii) a controller or administrator is appointed to it; or (iv) an application is made to a court for its winding up and not stayed or discontinued within ten *Business Days or a winding up order is made in respect of it or a resolution is made that it be wound up. |
|
*Intellectual Property |
all intellectual and industrial property rights, including trademarks, copyright (including future copyright), inventions, patents, designs, circuits and other eligible layouts, database rights, and other intellectual property rights as defined in Article 2 of the Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organisation dated 14 July 1967 (as amended from time to time), including any application or right to apply for registration of any of these rights. |
|
*Laws |
any act, ordinance, regulation, subordinate legislation, by-law, award or proclamation of the State of Western Australia or the Commonwealth of Australia. |
|
*Loss |
(a) any liability, cost, expense, loss, personal injury (including illness), death or damage; and (b) in relation to a *Claim, includes amounts payable on the *Claim and (whether or not the *Claim is successful) legal costs and disbursements on an indemnity basis. |
|
*Network |
has the meaning given to ‘Western Power Network’ in the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 (WA). |
|
*Service Request |
the online ‘Service Request’ form as published on *Western Power’s website |
|
*Notice |
a notice or other communication under the *Contract. |
|
*Party |
a party to the *Contract. |
|
*Parties |
all of the parties to this *Contract. |
|
*Personnel |
officers, employees, agents, consultants, invitees, visitors and contractors of a *Party (excluding the other *Party). |
|
*Service |
the works requested by the *Applicant under the *Network Service Request. |
|
*Supply Address |
the property address which the *Service directly relate to. |
|
*Western Power |
Electricity Networks Corporation (trading as Western Power) ABN 18 540 492 861, a statutory body corporate established by section 4(1)(b) of the Electricity Corporations Act 2005 (WA). |
|
*Work Data |
the information, studies, reports and data exchanged between the *Parties for, and derived from, the performance of the *Service, in whatever form. |
|
*Work Site |
the location(s) at which *Western Power may or will require access for the purposes of performing the *Service, which may include third party land, the *Applicant’s premises, the *Network, *Western Power’s premises or any other premises. |
If electrical work is required an electrical notice will need to be submitted by a licensed electrical contractor, before requesting network services from Western Power
The following services require a Preliminary Notice to be lodged using Building and Energy’s eNotice, prior to submitting a service request:
- Temporary disconnection
- Phase conversion or upgrade overhead cable
- Isolation of supply to add meter
- Overhead to underground conversion
The following services require a Notice of Completion to be lodged using Building and Energy’s eNotice, prior to submitting a service request:
Upfront payment and automated processing, provides a more efficient, streamlined experience and enables network services to be delivered more quickly.
Network service requests can only be paid by credit card.
'Overhead to underground' service requests do not require payment, as costs are included and paid for as part of the project.
We recommend waiting approximately 45 minutes after you have submitted your Electrical Notice, before completing your service request.
A standard fee is payable for all service requests. Please refer to the relevant application for current costs.
Is pricing negotiable?
No. A standard fee is charged for all network service requests.
Service requests that require an appointment, a scheduler will be in contact within 1-2 working days of receiving your request.
Temporary overhead supply and meter installations/quotes should be completed:
- Within 5-6 business days in the Perth metro and major regional towns
- Within 10-11 business days in country and rural areas, or
- 7 business days to provide you with a quote
Electrical services are requested and paid for by licensed electrical contractors.
A refund can be requested if you have not received a service and adequate notice is provided.
Please contact Western Power on 131087 or email within 3 business days of the service request submission.
Charges will apply if:
- the crew arrives to find the site is not ready for scheduled work within 15 mins of arriving;
- crew attendance is no longer required once on site; or
- A minimum of 24 hours’ notice (before the appointment / visit) is not provided.
Refund requests are considered on a case by case basis.
The original notice number is required to complete the service request application – you don’t need to add the suffix.
- Notice of Completion - 21 days from submission
- Preliminary Notice - unlimited time
No. The service request is completed on the address of the meter connected to the premise and is not transferable.
Not all services require the electrical contractor to be onsite.
If the electrical contractor is required to be onsite, a Western Power scheduler will make contact and arrange the appointment.
Services requiring an appointment are:
Typically, one service request will cover one appointment. For example, replacement of a site distribution switchboard requires one notice and one service request.
In some circumstances multiple properties within one appointment may require additional notices and service requests. If you need help in determining how may notices and service requests are required, please contact us on 13 10 87.
Disconnection/reconnection of supply to the premise that is not associated with any electrical works.
If the customer has supply to the property and has been referred to an electrical contractor, then a service request will need to be completed.
No. A temporary disconnection can only be requested after submitting a Preliminary Notice and before submitting a Notice of Completion, as the purpose of this service is to enable electrical work to be completed safely.
For a permanent removal of supply, contact your retailer to request a supply abolishment.
Please contact your retailer to request a supply abolishment.
Network service request forms can be used to request services of a simple nature.
- Temporary overhead supply
- Temporary disconnection
- Phase conversion or upgrade to overhead cable
- Overhead to underground conversion
- Meter installation and mains connection – standard supply
- Isolation of supply to add meter
An 'overhead to underground' service request does not require payment with a valid project for the access charge to the pillar.
An 'overhead to underground' project number should only be used on an ‘overhead to underground’ service request.
A valid project confirms that the customer has paid for the access charge into the pillar.
Solar connections
Single line diagram
A single line diagram (SLD) needs to contain information on the installation wiring from the point of supply off the Western Power network, through to all the inverters on site, including where the customer’s load is connected.
It also needs to contain information on all protection devices and switches, as well as any communications required to achieve the desired operation of the system (i.e. self-consumption, export limit, etc.).
SLDs must use correct electrical symbols and should contain at least, but not limited to, the following information specific to the site in question:
- Point of supply off the Western Power network
- Western Power meter
- show site main switch is a circuit breaker rated to the sites supply allocation (or will be at time of installation)
- any private/customer smart meters
- distribution boards
- loads
- all inverters – new and existing
- energy source (PV array, batteries, etc.)
- any communications and controls/monitoring equipment*
- protective devices
- cable size and length between all the above
- description of the working/operational philosophy of the proposed system
* Where monitoring equipment is required for site generation limiting or self-consumption control, the following need to be indicated in the SLD:
- monitoring equipment such as Current Transformers (CT) or energy meters
- the phase/s that the equipment is monitoring
- any links between the monitoring device and the battery storage device (refer to sections 2.1 of the Battery Inverter Energy System (IES) Requirements for more details)
Electrical symbols - AS/NZS 3000:2018
| Switch (general symbol) | Transformer (single line) | ||
| Mechanically interlocked changeover switch | Switch disconnector (on-load isolating switch) | ||
| Disconnector (isolator) | Fuse | ||
| Alternator | Circuit breaker | ||
| Circuit breaker, earth leakage type, current operated (RCD) | PV array | ||
| Battery | Inverter | ||
| 3 pin socket outlet or cord extension socket |
Protective earth neutral (PEN) conductor
|
||
| 3 pin socket inlet or plug | Neutral conductor (N) | ||
| Protective earthing conductor (PE) | Connection to earth | ||
| Generation frame connection | Earth or neutral bar | ||
| Whole current (direct connecter)meter (non CT) |
|
LV current transformer meter (LV CT) | |
| HV current transformer metering unit (HV CT) |
Connection block | ||
| Combination fuse switch | LV links or HV/LV load disconnector | ||
| Drop out fuse (DOF) | Generator |
Site diagram
Identify on an aerial site diagram e.g. Landgate property search photo:
- supply type (overhead or underground)
- property/lot boundaries
- point of supply for the private installation:
- if underground, Western Power pillar/dome
- if overhead, mains connection box (typically next to point of attachment) or
- Western Power distribution substation e.g. transformer kiosk (strata and larger commercial)
- if overhead supply, the Western Power service cable run from the network to point of attachment
- transformer in rural or sole use cases
- Western Power meter
Examples of site diagrams
Date effective: 14 February 2022
The terms used in these conditions have the same meaning as in the Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements 2021.
1. Approval is void should the application details be subsequently found to be invalid.
2. The approved system must:
- not be connected after the expiry date recorded on the approval
- be connected via a Western Power approved import/export meter
- be installed as detailed in the approved application (including diagrams) and, if special operating
conditions are applied, to comply with the conditions before commissioning - have switches/breakers installed to legislative and network operator requirements
- be designed for a maximum voltage rise within the installation of less than 2% or 4.8 V as per
AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 - use CEC approved products with compliance to extra requirements of volt-watt, volt-var,
IEC 62116, VDRT (new equipment) - comply with Western Power’s Basic and LV EG Connection Technical Requirements
3. All electrical installation, commissioning and maintenance work wherever required must be carried
out by an electrical contractor licensed under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 1991.
4. Western Power may inspect the installation from time to time to ensure continued compliance with
these requirements. If we consider that the installation poses a threat to safety, to quality of supply,
to the integrity of the distribution system or does not conform with Western Power technical
requirements we may disconnect the equipment.
Your connection point has a fixed capacity. If it is shared with other customers, potentially multiple new systems could be added and exceed that capacity. This can make it unsafe and unreliable.
Shared connections must be managed to ensure that all customers have access to a safe and secure electricity supply as well as the opportunity to connect to benefit from renewable energy solutions.
Before applying to connect this type of equipment, tenants or owners with shared connections should first seek permission from their strata company or management body to use a portion of the total network capacity allocated.
Failing to do this may prevent others from connecting their equipment, or require the management body to upgrade the connection to our network to accommodate the needs of all owners and or tenants.
It's important to remember that the strata company or management body is ultimately responsible for the management of the common connection to the network and the common electrical system. Effective management of this shared resource will allow the benefits of renewable energy solutions to be shared by all.
More information about strata titling principles can be found in Landgate's Guide to strata titles.
Shopping centres, commercial tenancies, strata schemes and other grouped properties typically share a single connection point to our network that determines the total allocation of available electricity supply and generation capacity to be shared by all lots.
This connection point has a fixed capacity, so it's important for tenants, owners and prospective purchasers to be aware of the arrangements and obligations relating to the connection, as it may restrict their ability to install equipment such as home EV charging stations, rooftop solar panels and batteries.
The revenue meter is required to be changed or reconfigured to measure bi-directional energy flows (import – export meter registers) before the connection of the embedded generation system. Please contact your electricity retailer before applying to Western Power for technical approval of your proposed system.
If a sub-meter is associated with the connection point at which bi-directional flows will occur, you may wish to engage a licensed electrical contractor to change the sub-meter and make the necessary arrangements with you at the revenue meter.
If bi-directional flows will occur at a sub-meter the measurement of energy flows is at the discretion of the customer. You may wish to engage an electrical consultant or contractor for energy management options.
Common sub-metering arrangement
The diagrams below illustrate typical revenue meter and sub-meter configurations.
Residential property with granny flat
Apartment buildings and shopping centres
Power station
Note: SPD means Service Protection Device.
Your connection will either be an individual connection or a shared connection.
Each connection has a ‘generation allocation’, or amount of solar, it can accommodate.
When you make an application to us to connect solar PVs our system will show whether the connection for the given address is individual, shared or unknown. The connection type is important to us for assessing the application.
- Individual connections have their own connection and generation allocation.
- Shared connections share a connection and generation allocation with others in the same development.
- Unknown means we must review to resolve which connection type it is.
These diagrams illustrate common connection types.
Individual connections
Individual underground connection
Individual connection with an overhead service cable
Individual connection with an overhead service cable and customer poles
Shared connections
Units in developments such as strata schemes, shopping centres and residential parks connect through a switchboard to the grid.
Sometimes in small older developments, units connect directly to the connection point. However, all units still share the generation allocation.
Shared underground connection
Shared connection with an overhead service cable
You need Western Power approval if:
You are installing a new solar system, or relocating an existing solar system, or changing or upgrading an existing system or replacing an inverter.
But if you are doing like-for-like maintenance work or only changing PV* panels, then no application is required.
Like-for-like maintenance work means it has the same maximum power rating, same phase, same quantity and/or has a Western Power approved battery (current CEC approval and volt var, volt watt, IEC 62116).
For all other work you will need to apply via our application page.
Please note - if you have a three phase connection and are replacing a single phase inverter with one greater than 3kVA, you now need to apply for approval. This is because, the new inverter will not operate at optimal efficiency.
*PV stands for Photovoltaics otherwise known as solar panels
Stratas, lifestyle villages and other multi-residential sites usually share a single connection to the grid. These properties can have tens or even hundreds of homes behind a 'shared connection', which means that the combined total of installed solar generation can easily pass the 30kVA limit. Above this limit an installation needs to comply with more complex connection requirements and higher costs associated with the larger (above 30kVA) application.
To allow residents of such sites to take advantage of solar power an exemption is available to the land-owners or their representative e.g. the strata management company, of multi-residential sites to allow these sites to contain up to 500kVA of generation without incurring the fees associated with a larger application.
This exemption is applied for by the land-owners of the site or their representative.
How this may affect your application:
- If it's predicted that the site will exceed 30kVA of aggregated embedded generation, the land-owners of the site or their representative should apply for a Multi-residential exemption as soon as possible
- Once the site has exceeded 30kVA, the technical exemption will be required before any further solar applications can be processed and you may need to quote the exemption identification number during your solar application
- An approved exemption will describe a maximum amount of solar that can be installed at a site, how this allowance is shared among residents of the site is the responsibility of the land owners or their representative – you will need to check with them before applying
- Within the exemption, individual homes can have up to 5kVA of generation but the land-owners or their representative may advise that a lower limit needs to apply
Multi residential land-owners
- Further technical information is available on the Multi-residential exemption application form
- This application requires the certification of a suitably qualified registered electrical engineer.
Find an engineer via the National Engineers Register or contact Engineers Australia for more information.
See also: Do I need permission from my strata company before applying for my connection?
Residential applications can only be approved up to 30kVA.
In small strata situations – where 2-4 homes can sit behind a single connection - it is possible that your neighbours have already installed enough generation that the amount you requested is not available. You will need to apply for a system with a limit that works within the remaining amount.
In larger stratas: lifestyle villages or residential developments, the land owners of the multi-residential site or their representative e.g. the Strata management company may need to apply for an exemption to allow residents to connect solar systems. You will need to talk your property manager to move forward with your plans.
No. This is not a service that Western Power offers. If you are thinking about getting solar panels installed refer to our article what to look for in a reliable solar installer in Perth
If you have installed a different inverter make and model to that shown in the EG Preliminary Approval to Connect, you can update the inverter details in the EG Registration form.
- Step 1 - Go to ‘Update Inverter Details’ and follow the prompts to enter the information of the installed inverter.
- Step 2 – Go to ‘Enter Serial Number(s) and enter the Serial Number of the installed inverter
All inverter brands display a unique serial number format. This format is a combination of alphanumeric numbers and characters of varying lengths and structure.
The Serial Number field validates to the exact format associated with the selected inverter.
Below are examples of the correction formatting
Example #1
If you have installed a Fronius inverter then the serial number format must be a total of eight numeric characters and the first number must be a "2" or "3". For example: 21234567
Example #2
If you installed a Growatt inverter, the first three characters must be alphabetic, followed by seven alphanumeric characters. For example: ABC123456A
Glossary
Terms of reference
|
Customer Examples |
Why do we need it? |
|---|---|
|
Bill of materials |
The bill of materials is a TXT file based on the DDC manual created from Microstation or DQM CU EXPORT FACILITY and generated by the DQM/CAD Interface. Your bill of materials is to be provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4. |
|
CAD (Computer Assisted Design) site plan |
Your CAD plan helps us better understand your work site and location of assets. We extract data from your plan to assist us with your design. See example here. |
|
Civil NER certification |
Civil NER certification verifies that the substation retaining walls are structurally sound and/or battered slopes are suitable for their purpose. This certification must be provided in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 5.3.18. |
|
Concept plan, including stage timing |
A concept plan provides us with a view of the subdivision, the scale of the project and nature of the proposed electrical network. Together with stage timing information, we can undertake planning assessments and produce a Design Information Package(DIP). See example of HV concept plan. |
|
Design drawing |
Design drawings are provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4. The drawings must be geospatially correct by incorporation of Map Grid of Australia MGA94 grid system. Other design drawing requirements are in Appendix 4 of the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual. |
|
Disturbing loads |
The information allows us to check the impact of your loads on the network. You must comply with Power Quality limits as per AS/NZS 61000.3.11, SA-SNZ TR IEC 61000.3.14 and Western Power Technical Rules. |
|
Draft design drawing |
Draft design drawings provided with your application assist us to complete your Design Information Package. |
|
Electrical NER certification |
Electrical NER certification must be provided for a Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4. The certification template is available in Appendix 3 of the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual. |
|
EPR assessment |
EPR (Earth Potential Rise) must be assessed when a new HV earth is proposed. The assessment must be provided for a Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 5.3.20. |
|
Equipment schedule |
An equipment schedule allows us to notify the electricity retailer of the new/changed load of the UMS connection; and, check that the load does not exceed 4.8kW (20A) single phase. |
|
Hydrology drawings and water table levels |
Hydrology drawings and water table levels demonstrate flood event and water table levels in relation to above ground assets and transformer stability. Assets must be located above flood event levels. This information must be provided for a Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 5.3.3. See example here. |
|
Lighting schedule |
A lighting schedule allows us to understand the type and size of lights you require and check that we can provide them. |
|
Load breakdown |
Your load breakdown allows us to assess the impact your project will have on the network. It also allows us to apply the appropriate charging policy. See example here. |
|
Local Government Authorisation |
You will need to provide evidence in writing from your local government authority stating that you have their approval to conduct this work. |
|
Location plan |
A location plan shows your project site on a map within the surrounding area. See example here. |
|
LV volt drop assessment |
This assesses that the voltage drop, line currents and fuse protection are adequate for each circuit. The assessment must be provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4. |
|
Neighbours authority |
You must have authorisation from your neighbour if your project will impact their property. |
|
Payment Guarantee for Design Information Package & Design Conformance Review fees |
A payment guarantee gives us permission to deal with your design organisation, and is your agreement to pay the associated fees for the Design Information Package and Design Conformance Review if your project does not proceed. See appointments and authorisation. |
|
Precal (DGN) |
Your DGN precal file allows us to identify the stage boundary for your project and is used to produce your Design Information Package. For street light projects, your DGN file indicates intended light locations. |
|
Single line diagram |
The single line diagram provides us with the technical information to design a connection to meet your requirements. See example here. |
|
Site photos |
Site photos help us understand your current connection arrangements and more easily identify potential site specific issues. See example here. |
|
Site plan |
Site plans provide us with an understanding of your work site, the location of existing and new assets and help us to design your product. See example here. |
|
Specific purpose statement |
A clear, specific purpose statement helps us understand what you need and why, your timeline and location details. |
|
Statement of compliance to AS/NZS 61000.3.11 and SA-SNZ TR IEC 61000.3.14 |
Your accredited electrical contractor or consultant must submit a statement verifying that the installation complies with AS/NZS 61000.3.11 and SA-SNZ TR IEC 61000.3.14 and Western Power’s Technical Rules. |
|
Streetlight authorisation letter |
An authorisation letter from the local government is required to proceed with a project that includes decorative or private street lighting. This authorisation must be provided for Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 4.4.4 |
|
Unmetered supply network standard |
View the Unmetered supply network standard for access to the application form and guidance on how to complete it. |
|
Voltage fluctuation report |
This report demonstrates that the voltage fluctuation occurring at your point of supply is within limits defined in SA/SNZ TS IEC 61000.3.5:2013 “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Limits - limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low voltage power supply systems for equipment with a rated current greater than 75 A”. The report is to be provided for a Design Conformance Review in accordance with the Underground Distribution Schemes Manual Section 2.1.3. |
Connection
The connection of an underground cable from a power pole to a pillar near the front of your property is known as an underground connection. You need to organise an electrical contractor to install a mains cable from the pillar to your meter box to complete the connection.
Running an underground cable from the pole in the street to your property is commonly referred to as a pole to pillar connection. Depending on which side of the road the powerlines are, this may involve drilling under the road. A pillar is then installed inside your property, close to the side and front boundaries. You need to organise an electrical contractor to install a mains cable from the pillar to your meter box to complete the connection.
You can keep an overhead supply when: you have an existing overhead electricity supply to your house, you only require a standard electricity supply, you can meet all the relevant safety requirements, such as clearances near swimming pools, etc., and your power connection has not been abolished (if your power supply has been abolished then you need to apply for a new connection). All new electricity connections and their associated connections must be undergrounded (there are some exceptions in rural areas). New connections can be requested via the Residents tab in new connections.
When subdividing a block you are introducing a new connection to the electricity network so this and all associated connections must be underground.
To connect into an existing pillar you need to submit an application for a new residential connection. Western Power will determine if any additional works are required to connect and provide you a quote. In most instances the only costs will be for a ‘disconnection/reconnection’ service for Western Power to come and terminate your consumer mains.
If you plan to demolish a property, and need the power disconnected and removed so the work can proceed safely, then first speak to your retailer to have your meter removed.
Your retailer will request us to disconnect the power. We generally remove your meter and connection within 10 business days.
- For overhead supply we remove the meter and overhead service cables
- For underground supply we remove the meter. You must arrange to have the underground cable between the pillar and the building removed.
In certain circumstances, your retailer will request you complete the Connections, Disconnections and Metering form.
This will apply if you have a complex CT meter and to specific properties located in the CBD.
Once Western Power has completed work in your area. Power can be reconnected to your property once you (as the home owner or resident) have checked for any additional steps that you may need to take.
When you can return to your home, you need to look for a tag or notification on the status of your electricity supply. This will be placed in the meter box, or at the front door if there isn’t enough space in the meter box for the disconnection tag.
Example tags
If the tag says Caution your connection can be reconnected to the network when power’s been restored. Once connected, you can flick your main switch to ‘On’.
If the tag says Temporary disconnection the homeowner or other person in charge must arrange for an electrical contractor to complete the required works. Once all of the defects listed have been fixed your supply can be reconnected. If you still do not have power after your electrical contractor has completed the required works and provided the relevant information to Western Power, please call us on 13 13 51.
In all circumstances, if your home has been affected by fire, we recommend that you get a licensed electrical contractor to check the integrity of the electrical installation in your property.
For your safety when network power is restored, the electrical inspector advises that you conduct a visual safety check on all external electrical equipment (including bore pumps, power points, external ground lighting) within your property prior to turning it on. If you find any damaged electrical equipment you must contact an electrical contractor to have the problem fixed.
Power fluctuations may occur when power is restored, so it’s helpful to unplug sensitive appliances before reconnecting. When reconnected, turn on appliances one at a time, starting with lights and small appliances. If you experience any shocks, zaps or tingles report them immediately on 13 13 51.
Unsure if your property has been inspected?
Please call 13 10 87 between 8.30am and 5.00pm
Unsure what electrical infrastructure you’re responsible for on your property?
Visit Visit Building and Energy website’s for information on private power poles and lines are your responsibility or our information on private power poles and cables.
For more information please contact us on 13 10 87 between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
Connection point changes
Some common examples of actions resulting in a change to the connection point include:
- a meter is removed, or a new one is added.
- a current transformer is being added or removed.
- the status of the revenue meter is changing for example will be converted to a sub-meter or an embedded network is being installed.
- the connection is changing from low to high voltage or vice versa.
If a customer doesn’t know if the connection point will change, Western Power can assess and advise as part of the application process.
The retailer is responsible for each connection point where electricity is supplied to their customer using the Western Power network, so they need to know what's going on.
To approve a customer's request to change the connection point, we need to be advised by the retailer what change its permitting.
If the retailer doesn't get involved, we’re not able to process the customer's application beyond the design stage.
Western Power will place the application on hold for a set period and ask the customer to contact the retailer.
We’ll provide each customer with a unique reference number related to their application. This number allows us to track the project and respond to any enquiries.
The customer should keep this number – it's important and we'll always ask for it. It's also the reference number that will need to be provided to the retailer.
When the retailer provides their approval, they will quote this number so we can match it to the customer's application.
Before construction starts, Western Power agrees the scope with the customer, we understand however that sometimes, plans change. If the scope changes, we need to assess what these changes involve.
If this work modifies the connection point, the retailer will need to get involved.
Emergency Solar Management
Yes, there are changes to electrical wiring for meter control only. Please refer to the Distribution Customer Connection Requirements and the video below
Emergency Solar Management only applies to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
Customers not eligible for Synergy DEBS or REBS are excluded from Emergency Solar Management control requirements.
Licensed electricians are required to do this work. They have the skill and ability to review an electrical installation and where necessary access electrical switchboards to determine required work. It is illegal for unqualified workers to perform electrical work.
There's no cost to the customer for the dual element meter unit. The cost for solar installation with meter control method depends on site conditions.
No, a second AMI meter can't be used.
As outline in the Distribution Customer Connection Requirements, the following choices are available for meter control where single phase export limiting or energy monitoring are provided as an option:
- Monitoring measures load only.
- Monitoring measures the net load and generation.
All installations must comply with the Basic EG Connection Technical Requirements and the manufacturer’s requirements.
Yes, the main switches will need to be circuit breakers.
We’ve created training assets to assist solar installers prepare the site for Western Power:
Requirements: Distribution Customer Connection Requirements
Webinar: Meter Control Method
Link: Meter Control Method for Emergency Solar Management
Webinar: Solar installer wiring training
Link: Emergency Solar Management – Solar installer wiring training video
Western Power will not switch the inverter system on but will leave a ‘Meter Service Work’ card in the letter box after the work has been completed. The electricity retailer will email the electricity account holder when they can start the system and commence generating.
The entire system would need to meet Western Power's connection technical requirements for the new battery components and the existing system must be compliant with settings at time of original installation. In this situation, the applicant is not subject to ESM requirements.
The electrician installing the system is permitted to temporarily connect the system to test, commission and set up for API cloud solution. The inverter must be isolated (switched off) at the main switch inverter supply following these steps.
A general power outage will cause the PV inverter to shut down its output to the grid. They're designed for this and all the control settings will be restored when switched back on. We don't expect any troubleshooting will be required when power supply returns.
Do we need an inverter energy meter for systems with an inverter up to 5kW? Inverter energy meters (to monitor consumption and export) are required by Western Power, when an export limit is specified during the application process, typically for all systems 5kW and above to manage the export limit operation. Inverter energy meters are also often used for system less than 5 kW on small networks where a site has a limited export. Some consumers find it useful to add inverter energy meters for load monitoring to manage the energy generated from their solar systems even when no export limit is specified.
The export limiting device can be set up in the sub-board for the house or individual user, provided that both the load and generation are monitored and generation can be reduced so that the export amount is equal or less than the limited for the site.
Load shedding
Load shedding is a last resort response by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to maintain system stability and security, mitigate damage to infrastructure and to protect customer equipment.
Under the instruction of AEMO, Western Power will undertake manual load shedding by deliberately shutting down power to parts of the electricity network to reduce a predetermined volume of electricity usage to maintain system stability and the supply-demand balance.
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) determines how much power needs to be reduced to maintain system stability.
When power demand needs to be reduced AEMO instructs Western Power to deliberately shed load. We initiate a process of rotational controlled outages (typically 2-hours). Areas are pre-determined to minimise the impact on the community, particularly major health facilities, emergency services and public transport. However, these services can still be affected and should have business continuity arrangements in place.
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) determines how much power needs to be reduced to keep the electricity system stable and has instructed Western Power to shed load on a rotational basis. This happens very quickly and is dynamic in delivery. If you’re affected, we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and encourage you to visit our power outages information to keep-up-to date on estimated restoration times. Each outage is expected to last up to two hours.
The power system may experience different types of power outages. Load shedding is different to local outages (planned or unplanned).
Load shedding is a last resort response by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to maintain system security, mitigate damage to infrastructure and to protect customer equipment. It’s the controlled reduction of electricity supplied to homes and businesses to securely manage the wider power system.
Planned outages are undertaken by Western Power and are prearranged and necessary for routine maintenance, inspections and improvements on various electricity infrastructure.
Local unplanned outages are an interruption to the transmission or distribution of electricity that is unscheduled and can occur as a result of range of causes including: damage to wires caused by storms, lightning strikes, falling trees (or branches), motor accidents, bushfires, and equipment failure.
Revenue offset
When we look at the load requirement of your property, we need evidence so we can predict the demand and consumption of the site. This includes what industry you are in or activity to be carried out on site, and how long the site is to be occupied for.
We may also ask you for information such as a detailed load breakdown, hours of operation, site plans, building approvals or records of equipment purchased. This helps us to correctly estimate the expected load, which ensures you benefit as much as possible from the revenue offset.
There is no change to the recovery of tax on capital contributions.
The revenue offset is applied to the minimum works required to connect. Any additional works required are not eligible for the revenue offset and are charged accordingly.
Yes, you will need to cover the additional costs if you want the connection in a location that is not the Western Power preferred location.
Revenue offset only applies if your supply from the network increases.
When you submit your application, we will review your eligibility across both policies independently. You are eligible to receive both if you meet the criteria for each policy.
When calculating your expected electricity demand, we look at similar sites connected to the network along with any information you provide in your application. We then set an appropriate load for your property and base the offset amount on this.
If you want a higher load than we recommend, you will only be eligible to receive the revenue offset on the load we have set.
No, the revenue offset you receive on your connection works won’t change your electricity bill.
If you receive a quote for $0 it’s not a mistake. Based on our calculations, the future consumption at the property is expected to cover the costs of your connection.
When preparing the quote for a connection project we look at:
- The total cost of the works required
- The potential offset value and the amount which can be offset
Only the minimum works required to connect will receive the offset. Any further works required to connect will be charged accordingly.
What’s included in your quote:
- Operating and maintenance costs of the connection
- The costs to meet technical requirements
- The reduced upfront costs for applicable works.
- Undergrounding of network assets or connections
- Streetlights
- Existing network asset relocations or changes (not small subdivisions)
- Supply Extension Scheme
- Unmetered supply
- Subdivisions
- Work in excess of standard requirements
- Temporary connections
The offset is based on the additional revenue Western Power expects to receive over time from the proposed connection. The excluded works are different because they won’t generate new revenue.
The revenue offset applies to:
- new residential and commercial connections (excludes gifted assets)
- upgrades to existing residential and commercial connections (includes additional electricity drawn from overhead to underground conversion capacity upgrades, such as a small subdivision)
- new or upgrades to mixed-use residential/commercial connections.