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Call for Submission for NCESS –  WS5412822710 Network Support Services for Metropolitan Capacity Expansion

WS5412822710 - NCESS NSS Metropolitan Capacity Expansion

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.

The key dates for the Call for NCESS Submissions are as below:

Call for NCESS Submissions: Thursday, 18 December 2025
Cut-off date for questions from service providers: Friday, 16 January 2026 by 5:00pm AWST)
Cut-off date for Western Power to answer service providers’ questions: Friday, 23 January 2026
Closing date for NCESS Submission: Friday, 30 January 2026 by 5:00pm AWST

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.

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)

Ÿ   NCESS Trigger Submission Network Support Services in metropolitan area [Link: https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2025-10/ncess_nss_procurement_trigger_submission_to_coordinator_nss_perth_metropolitan_area_redacted.pdf]

Ÿ   To find a copy of the Coordinator of Energy’s determination please visit Energy Policy WA’s web page: [Link: https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2025-10/coordinator_of_energy_determination_network_support_services_for_perth_metropolitan_area.pdf]