If a network is covered then it is regulated and must have an approved access arrangement in place that sets out the undertakings made by the network, including terms, conditions and prices that apply to the covered services of the network.
Currently, the only electricity network covered in Western Australia is Western Power's network in the South West Interconnected System.
Coverage application received
On 24 October 2014, the Minister received an application from Alinta Energy to have the portion of the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) owned and operated by Horizon Power covered under the Code. The NWIS is a regional network in the Pilbara region. Alinta Energy’s application is available below.
Coverage application withdrawn
The Code allows a coverage applicant to withdraw its coverage application at any time before the Minister makes a final coverage decision.
On 5 January 2015, Alinta Energy gave notice to the Minister of its decision to withdraw its coverage application. Accordingly, the Minister is no longer required to make a coverage decision.
Prior consultation
Invitation for submissions
The Code sets out the process the Minister must follow in making a coverage decision. It also establishes stages for public consultation and timeframes for decision-making by the Minister.
Prior to Alinta Energy withdrawing its coverage application, the Minister commenced the consultation process by publishing an Issues Paper examining the matters raised in connection with Alinta Energy’s coverage application and inviting public submissions. The Issues Paper and submissions received in response are available below.
Horizon Power submitted a Discussion Paper on the coverage of networks in the Pilbara. This Discussion Paper is also available below. The views expressed in the Discussion Paper are those held by Horizon Power. The Department of Finance, Public Utilities Office does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information in the Discussion Paper.
