As part of Western Power’s commitment to transforming the network to facilitate the growth of renewables and electrification, we’re introducing one standard power supply allocation across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to meet the evolving energy needs of Western Australians.
From 11 April 2023, Western Power will offer a standard connection service capacity of 63A for single-phase (240V) connections, regardless of location ensuring the same allocation for all small use homes and businesses across the entire network.
Capacity limits for rural split-phase connections will also increase from 20A to 32A per phase, where the service is available. Three-phase connection services remain unchanged at 32A per phase across the SWIS and is dependent on service availability.
The increase to rural supply follows a 24-week rural supply allocation trial that ran from October to March that established that a standardised supply allocation could be uniformly applied across rural and metro areas and managed in a safe and reliable way for community benefit.
Western Power’s comprehensive assessment of network impact and load pattern changes using Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data taken during the trial confirmed that the existing electrical infrastructure could accommodate the increased regional load requirements.
We’ve listened to the community and sought advice on how we can best serve the power supply demands of Western Australians now and in the future. Western Power undertook significant consultation with electrical contractor industry bodies and solar installers throughout this process.
The WA Service Installation and Service Requirements (WASIR) which has been updated to enable these changes and specifies that all new connections to the grid and altered connections must have a safety main switch circuit breaker installed.
It demonstrates the network’s adaptability to the changing energy needs of customers, and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to delivering the best possible power supply to the community.
Western Power’s New Standard Connection Services (effective 11 April 2023)
| Zone type within the SWIS | 1 phase | 3 phase* | Split-phase* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro, major regional centres and rural areas | 63A (240V) | 32A (415V) | 32A, per phase (480V) |
* Where the service is available
Main switch circuit breakers remain a safety requirement
Main switch circuit breakers are paramount for ensuring safe and equitable access of power supply for the whole community and remains a requirement for all new connections to the grid or when adding circuit capacity to an existing connected premise.
Electrical contractor and homeowner obligations
Electrical contractors are required to assess household demand requirements when adding new capacity and or circuits for property owners and apply for an upgraded supply allocation where necessary.
Homeowners continue to be responsible for managing their electrical load and should seek electrical contractor advice when adding or replacing larger appliances or equipment.