Changes to the Electricity Networks Access Code (2004) (Access Code) have been made to support the introduction of constrained network access.
Consequential changes have also been made to the following key documents that govern connection and access to the Western Power Network:
- Applications and Queuing Policy (AQP), which details the processes, procedures, and requirements for customers seeking and obtaining access to the Western Power Network.
- Electricity Transfer Access Contract (ETAC), which is the standard access contract used by Western Power for the provision of reference services to customers.
- Contributions Policy, which details how Western Power charges customer seeking to establish a new, or upgrade an existing, connection to the network.
The updated AQP, ETAC, and Contributions Policy will apply as ‘transitional’ documents from 30 July 2021 (being the date that the Access Code amendments were gazetted) until the commencement of Western Power’s fifth Access Arrangement when the ERA approved versions of these documents will apply.
The changes to the Access Code also included:
- changes to allow Western Power to recover previously deferred revenue (from its second Access Arrangement;
- changes to align requirements for generator performance standards under the Wholesale Electricity Market Rules; and
- several minor amendments.
