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We’re dedicated to ensuring a seamless integration of new connections into the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). The Steady State Study plays a crucial role in this process, evaluating potential impacts on the SWIS under various operational scenarios: 

  • System normal (N-0)
  • Unplanned outage (N-1)
  • One planned outage prior to an unplanned outage (N-1-1) 

This study is pivotal in maintaining the network's efficiency and reliability as part of our commitment to serving the Western Australian community. 

Key aspects of the Steady State Study 

The Steady State Study focuses on three primary criteria to assess the compatibility of your facility with the SWIS: 

  • Thermal Loading: Assessing the thermal loading of the transmission elements following a credible contingency.
  • Voltage Step: Assessing step change resulting from switching operations.
  • Voltage Range: Ensuring Steady State Study voltage levels remain within optimal limits. 

These assessments provide critical insights into whether modifications to the SWIS are necessary to accommodate your Connection Application. 

When considering the endurance of the system it is important that you also engage with AEMO regarding operational contingencies which may impact the design of the network and your facility. It’s recommended that generation customers conduct their own economic modelling of Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) constraints and contingency risks, to ensure your project is economically viable before proceeding with your connection application.

Options for conducting your Steady State Study

Western Power offers two approaches for completing your Steady State Study:

  1. Western Power Expertise: Utilising our in-house expertise or collaborating with our panel suppliers, we can conduct the study for your preferred connection option. Our team's proficiency ensures a comprehensive evaluation, aligning with the latest industry standards and technological advancements.

  2. Steady State Self-Serve: You have the option to self-perform the Steady State Study either by engaging an external consultant directly or using your in-house expertise to conduct the Steady State Study. This process involves using the SWIS Base Model (PowerFactory) and study package, with Western Power validating the outcomes. Each individual service provider must register with Western Power by providing:
    • Professional details (name, organisation, contact details (email and telephone number).
    • National Engineers Register (NER) number.
    • Qualifications and experience in conducting technical studies related to transmission network connections (examples to include Steady State Study, RMS Dynamic and EMT studies, GPS Assessments, Model Assessments).

Suppliers

Western Power currently holds contracts with a number of suppliers to undertake ‘Network Planning and Power System Studies,’ a defined service category under Western Power’s Professional Engineering Panel.
 
Suppliers that Western Power has an active contract with under this category.

Access to SWIS base model

You can request this SWIS Base Model by filling in our SWIS Base Model Terms of Use declaration form.

‘The SWIS Base Model is also accessible prior to submitting a connection application. It is important to note that this preliminary version excludes information about uncommitted projects in the region and should only be used to provide a broad understanding of the existing network. Western Power will not provide support with the use of this preliminary SWIS Base Model version and will not accept any preliminary study results using this version as part of the formal Steady State Study submission post Connection Application.’