The Coordinator of Energy has determined, under clause 3.11A.4 of the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) 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).

Western Power has published the Call for NCESS Submission seeking responses from potential NCESS Providers to deliver NSS at up to five metropolitan locations within its distribution network. Five 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 solutions.

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 1 December to 1 April), 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.

The preferred commencement date for the proposed services is 1 October 2025, with a three-year duration.

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

Call for NCESS Submissions : Monday, 21 October 2024

Cut-off date for questions from service providers : Monday, 11 November 2024 by 5:00pm AWST

Cut-off date for Western Power to answer service providers’ questions : Monday, 18 November 2024