PoweringWA Questions and Answers

One of the most efficient ways to reduce WA's emissions is to expand electricity infrastructure so renewable energy sources can replace coal and baseload gas-fired generation.

This will provide a reliable and low emissions electricity supply that can support electrification across other sectors, which currently use fossil-fuel energy sources.

In 2022, the WA Government released the South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment, which created a clear vision for the future of WA’s main grid, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

One of the key outcomes from the modelling is that significant investment in electricity infrastructure is required to deliver a low-emissions electricity supply.

As it stands, the SWIS is already largely at capacity, so more investment is needed to connect new renewable energy generation and battery storage to the grid.

The transmission is required to move the electricity from where it is generated (where the wind and solar plants are located) to where it is used.

Simply put, there can be no decarbonisation without more transmission.

Transforming WA's energy future is no simple task, but it can be achieved with minimal disruption and maximum long-term benefits when it is properly planned and implemented. Upgrading and future-proofing WA's electricity infrastructure will be a significant, multi-year planning and construction project covering vast geographical distances.

To minimise disruption to landscapes and communities, the WA Government has established PoweringWA to help coordinate this complex and large-scale project across multiple government agencies and communities. 

PoweringWA will help manage the scale, speed and complexity of WA's renewable energy and transmission developments by:

• streamlining development of individual transmission, renewable generation and storage projects by removing overlaps and filling any gaps in approvals and other government processes;
• proactively identifying, mitigating and managing impacts of the program with the WA community;
• providing clear information to the public on the infrastructure program and making sure that the need for the program is understood;
• providing opportunities for the public to provide input;
• ensuring that no particular community is unduly impacted;
• ensuring that the impact of the program on native forests, endangered habitats and areas of cultural significance is minimised;
• helping impacted communities and Aboriginal people realise value from the energy transformation; and
• identifying and helping resolve issues with the development and implementation of the infrastructure program, including supply chain and workforce development.

We know it will take a lot of coordination to deliver WA's infrastructure upgrades in a timely fashion.

This is a complex task that will span across government agencies, which will include (but is not limited to):

• the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation;
• the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage;
• the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation; and
• the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

This will also include Government Trading Enterprises:

• Western Power; and
• Synergy, as a project developer.

PoweringWA will provide targeted advice and support to streamline the delivery of transmission, renewable electricity generation and storage projects.

PoweringWA will be working closely with other parts of government to achieve shared aims. For example, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative is looking at how to streamline environmental approvals for electricity infrastructure projects.

PoweringWA will work with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to ensure land use, planning and heritage approval processes for electricity infrastructure projects can be efficiently delivered.

PoweringWA will work with private sector developers of renewable generation and storage projects to smooth the path for these projects, including:

• supporting the Green Approvals team to develop proponent information on land, heritage, environmental and other approvals processes for renewable energy projects;
• coordinating with Western Power and industry to minimise delay between network capacity being available and the projects delivering electricity (and other services) to the market; 
• supporting engagement with landholders and the community (for instance through providing guidelines on engagement);
• working with private industry and Western Power to develop fit for purpose connection options including shared connection infrastructure and managing other considerations (e.g. environment/community impact); and
• identifying and helping resolve issues with the development and implementation of the infrastructure program, including supply chain and workforce development.

It's important to note that no decisions have been made on any specific transmission projects other than the network upgrade to Three Springs, which is already underway.

Community engagement sessions will be scheduled in early 2024 and stakeholders will be given opportunities to provide input to decisions about new transmission corridor routes.

PoweringWA will prioritise enhancements and upgrades to the existing network wherever possible, including utilising existing easements or corridors, before building a new footprint.

This is intended to minimise impacts on the environment and communities.

Interested parties are encouraged to learn about the latest developments at one of our information sessions. 

The WA Government is exploring a wide variety of funding arrangements for the transmission investments, including capital contributions from industry.

Western Power ran a Registrations of Interest process in September 2023 to get an indication from large commercial and industrial users about their willingness to contribute.

This process will help the Government have a clearer understanding of the potential customer base for future major transmission expansion projects, prioritise key areas for grid investment and inform policy for suitable funding arrangements.

Electricity prices for residential and small business consumers are determined each year by the WA Government in the State Budget.

Prices are set separately to changes in network tariffs.

Electricity prices for households and some small businesses increased by only 2.5% in 2023, which is below the national inflation rate.

PoweringWA’s will ensure project impacts on native forests, endangered habitats and areas of cultural significance are minimised.

PoweringWA will assess Government processes and provide advice on how to best achieve timely project delivery, while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Latest updates about PoweringWA

Consultation sessions will be scheduled over the coming months around WA. You can sign up to be part of these sessions by filling out the consultation sign-up form.