Network Support Services for Byford Substation peak demand

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 peak demand services for the Byford 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 Byford load 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 service is required for energy supply or reduction of energy withdrawal at the transmission substation level via the distribution network electrically connected to Byford substation. The proposed services are needed from the 1st December 2026 until the 1st April 2031.Activation of the service will occur between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM AWST or parts thereof, with NSS being prioritised over other contracted services. The service may be called upon up to 20 times per each Activation Period (each 1 December – 1 April period). Multiple providers may be considered for a single service.The NCESS Service Specification provides detailed requirements for these services. While the preferred commencement date for the proposed services is 1 December 2026, with a five-year duration, Western Power is open to feedback regarding potential benefits of alternative contract durations or commencement dates.