Call for NCESS Submissions: NSS Geraldton Minimum Demand Services

Summary and scope

The Coordinator of Energy has determined, under clause 3.11A.4 of the Electricity System Market (ESM) Rules, to initiate a Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) procurement process for minimum demand services for the Geraldton demand area. Western Power is proactively managing capacity constraints as Distributed Energy Resources (DER) energy exports continue to grow across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). Guided by the WA State Government’s DER Roadmap and recent amendments to the Access Code, Western Power has identified a need for solutions through Network Support Services (NSS). Western Power has published the Call for NCESS Submissions from potential NCESS providers to deliver NSS in the Geraldton area within its distribution network. This area has been selected based on Western Power’s assessment of the underlying need, technical requirements, and the potential for viable non-network solutions. The required services will involve the capability to decrease DER exports or increase demand. Western Power is seeking for the service to start from January 2026 until the 31st December 2028 during the minimum demand periods (Spring, Summer and Autumn months). Activation of the service will occur between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM AWST or parts thereof, with NSS being prioritised over other contracted services. The service may be called upon up to 10 times each calendar year, with a maximum duration of 8 hours. Multiple providers may be considered for a single service. The NCESS Service Specification provides detailed requirements for these services. While Western Power prefers the commencement date for the proposed services to be from January 2026, with a three-year duration, Western Power is open to feedback regarding potential benefits of alternative contract durations or commencement dates. Queries may be submitted by email to emerging.technology.portfolio@westernpower.com.au or via Q&A function in VendorPanel portal.