Network Support Services for Metropolitan Capacity Expansion - WS5412822710 - CLOSED
The Coordinator of Energy has determined, under clause 3.11A.4 of the Electricity System Market (ESM) Rules, to initiate a Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) procurement process for capacity expansion on the Perth network.
Western Power is proactively managing capacity constraints as peak demand continues to rise across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). Guided by the WA State Government’s DER Roadmap and recent amendments to the Access Code, Western Power has identified a need for solutions through Network Support Services (NSS).
NCESS Submissions
Western Power has published this Call for NCESS Submission from potential NCESS providers to deliver NSS at up to four metropolitan locations within its distribution network. Four distribution feeders have been selected based on Western Power’s assessment of the underlying need, technical requirements, and the potential for a viable non-network solution(s).
The required services will involve the capability to decrease load during times of supply shortfall. The proposed services are needed during the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 summer periods (from as early as January 2026 to 1 April 2028), with service quantities based on forecasted shortfalls for each period.
Activation of the service will occur between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM AWST, with NSS being prioritised over other contracted services. The service may be called upon up to 20 times per summer period, with a minimum duration of two hours. Multiple providers may be considered for a single service.
The Final NCESS Service Specification provides detailed requirements for these services.
While the preferred commencement date for the proposed services to be from February 2026, with contract duration between 1 to 3 years, Western Power is open to feedback regarding potential benefits of alternative contract durations or commencement dates.
Interested NCESS provider should register with Vendor panel to be informed of whether any supporting documentation such as clarifications to questions may be published.
Queries may be submitted via Q&A function in VendorPanel portal or by email to emerging.technology.portfolio@westernpower.com.au.
The key dates are as below:
| Key activities | Date |
|---|---|
| Coordinator of Energy to trigger NCESS | 20 October 2025 |
| Call for EOI’s | 30 October 2025 |
| Cut-off date for questions for EOI | 28 November 2025 |
| Closing Date and time for lodgement of EOIs | 5 December 2025, 5pm AWST |
| Call for NCESS Submissions | 18 December 2025 |
| Cut-off date for questions from service providers | 16 January 2026 by 5:00pm (AWST) |
| Cut-off date for Western Power to answer service providers’ questions | 23 January 2026 |
| Closing date for NCESS Submission | 30 January 2026 by 5:00pm (AWST) |
EOI documents
- Draft NCESS Service Specification – NSS Metropolitan Capacity Expansion
- NCESS EOI Submission form – NSS Metropolitan Capacity Expansion
Call for NCESS Submissions documents
- NCESS Final Service Specification – Metropolitan Capacity Expansion
- NCESS Submission form NSS Metropolitan Capacity Expansion
- NCESS - NSS draft standard contract
- Contract Departures template
Western Power’s NCESS Trigger Submission (October 2025)
- NCESS Trigger Submission Network Support Services in metropolitan area
- To find a copy of the Coordinator of Energy’s determination please visit Energy Policy WA’s web page