Expression of Interest (EOI) NCESS – Reliability and System Strength Services for the North Country

⁠⁠⁠The Coordinator of Energy has determined, under clause 3.11A.4 of the Electricity System Market (ESM) Rules, to trigger a Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) procurement process by Western Power for Reliability and System Strength Services for the North Country.

The proposed services aim to address reliability and system strength concerns during planned or unplanned outage events affecting one or more 132 kV transmission lines supplying the North Country.

Expression of Interest

Western Power invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective NCESS providers to deliver Reliability Services and/or System Strength Services located in the North Country. The North Country is defined as the area supplied by the Rangeway, Geraldton and Chapman substations.

A prospective provider may offer a solution that fully or partially meets the requirements for either service (or both). Western Power encourages innovative non-network solutions that can improve reliability and support secure operation of the network.

Activation requirements, performance measures, preferred connection locations and other technical requirements will be set out in the draft NCESS Service Specification released with this EOI.

Proponents are strongly encouraged to submit pricing, as part of this Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding considerations.

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

Key activities and dates:

Coordinator of Energy to trigger NCESS : 24 April 2026

Call for EOIs : 22 May 2026

Cut-off date for questions for EOI : 26 June 2026