Traditionally, electricity has been supplied to consumers through a chain, starting at generation, then transmission, then distribution, before reaching the consumer through a retailer. Large generators were located away from most users, so high voltage transmission lines delivered electricity into the low voltage system and was connected to the consumer.
Traditional Electricity Supply Chain
The energy system has been transitioning to a new model as we use more renewable energy. There is a growing number of households and small businesses installing solar photovoltaic and battery systems to take control of their electricity bills. In fact, over a quarter of Western Australian households have installed a solar system. It is evident large-scale renewable generators are supplying an increasing amount of our energy needs.
In the WA power sector we use wind and solar, which are large and small-scale renewables. Along with large batteries, renewables like these are good for low cost, low emissions energy. However, the intermittent nature of these energy sources can present challenges, particularly when maintaining the security, reliability and affordability of our power system.
To manage these challenges, on 6 March 2019, the Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Energy, announced the Energy Transformation Strategy. This is the Western Australian Government’s response to the energy transformation and their plan for the future of our power system.
From May 2019 to May 2021, the Energy Transformation Taskforce led the first stages of the Energy Transformation Strategy. Learn more about the energy transformation at: Energy Transformation Strategy: 2019 - 2021.
On 14 July 2021, the Hon Bill Johnston MLA Minister for Energy launched the next stage of the Energy Transformation Strategy, led by Energy Policy WA.
In the 2023 WA State Budget, the McGowan Government announced further funding of the $2.8 billion to transition the energy system for a low carbon future. The funding will go towards energy storage, wind generation and transmission network upgrades.
Announcements
