New across the board standard power supply allocation for SWIS

Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced that there will be one standard power supply allocation across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to meet the evolving energy needs of Western Australians.

•  An across the board power supply allocation will soon be in place for regional and metro areas across the SWIS
• Trial successfully showed universal supply allocation to be safe and reliable across the network
• The new standard will facilitate the growth of renewables and electrification

Western Power will now offer a standard connection service capacity of 63-amps for small-use, single-phase (240V) connections regardless of location ensuring the same allocation for all homes and businesses across the entire network.

The increase to regional supply followed Western Power's trial which successfully established that a standardised supply allocation could be managed in a safe and reliable way for community benefit.    

The 24-week trial involved seven regional local government areas ensuring a representative sample of a diverse range of rural customers with different energy needs was included.

The trial enabled the installation of a 63-amp rated main switch circuit breaker for all new single-phase connections to the network or when altering an existing electrical installation.

Data from 140,000 single-phase meters across the network was analysed to understand load demand and network usage in metro and rural areas, which proved that existing electrical infrastructure could accommodate increased rural load requirements.

The installation of a main switch circuit breaker is critical in providing overload protection for a household if its capacity is exceeded. It prevents more widespread outages and damage to equipment, ensuring safe and equitable access of power supply to the whole community.

The one standard supply will enable greater electrification and uptake of renewables and aligns with State/National compliance frameworks including Australian standards. 

Electrical contractors are required to assess household demand requirements when adding new circuits for property owners and apply for an upgraded supply allocation where necessary.

Homeowners are responsible for managing their electrical load and should seek electrical contractor advice when adding or replacing larger appliances or equipment.

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston

"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.

"I'm pleased to announce that we now have one equitable power supply allocation across the network – that means regardless of whether you live regionally or in the metro area, everyone will have the same standard supply.

"Western Power has successfully undertaken a trial to test this and ensure network infrastructure is built for increased rural loads.

"The comprehensive assessment used Advanced Meter Infrastructure data to verify that a standardised connection service can be applied across the network safely and reliably.

"The new standard demonstrates Western Power's commitment to transforming the network to facilitate the growth of renewables and electrification."