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WS4758134928 – NCESS for Metropolitan Capacity Expansion

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). 

Call for NCESS Submissions 

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.

Queries may be submitted by email to emerging.technology.portfolio@westernpower.com.au or via Q&A function in VendorPanel portal.

Please submit an NCESS Submission via VendorPanel no later than 5:00pm (AWST) on 25th November 2024.
Interested NCESS provider should register with VendorPanel to be informed of whether any supporting documentation such as clarifications to questions may be published.

Key activities

Date

Coordinator of Energy to trigger NCESS

29 August 2024

Call for EOI’s

4 September 2024

Cut-off date for questions for EOI

30 September 2024 , 5:00PM

Closing Date and time for lodgement of EOIs

7 October 2024 , 5:00PM

Call for NCESS Submissions

21 October 2024

Cut-off date for questions from service providers

11 November 2024 by 5:00pm AWST

Cut-off date for Western Power to answer service providers’ questions.

18 November 2024

Closing date for NCESS Submission

25 November 2024 by 5:00pm AWST

 

Call for NCESS Submissions documents

 

EOI Documents

 

Western Power’s NCESS Trigger Submission (August 2024)