Office of Energy Western Australia Introduction Page
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...lower cost, sustainable, reliable, secure energy for Western Australia’s future

NOTE:  Following the successful disaggreagtion of Western Power Corporation as of 1 April 2006, the Electricity Reform Implementation Unit has been disbanded.  This site remains active for historical reference only. 

For further and current information relating to the West Australian Electricity Industry, please visit the Office of Energy Website



From the Minister


In January 2003, the Government embarked on an unprecedented program of reform to the State’s electricity industry.  The Government’s vision was to create a competitive electricity market to encourage private sector investment, improve reliability of supply and place downward pressure on prices.

The key components of this program included:

  • the restructure of Western Power into four Government owned entities;
  • the establishment of a wholesale electricity market;
  • the development of a strong and independent regulatory framework including measures to protect smaller customers in the new market;
  • reduction  in the contestability threshold to 50 megawatt hours; and
  • the facilitation of sustainable energy options.
 Hon. Francis Logan MLA
Hon. Francis Logan
Minsiter for Energy; Science and Innovation

 Significant progress has been made towards implementing this program including:

  • the implementation of an Electricity Networks Access Code, independently administered by the Economic Regulation Authority;
  • the establishment of a number of customer protection mechanisms including an Energy Ombudsman and Code of Conduct;
  • the development of Market Rules to govern the operation of the wholesale electricity market; and
  • the establishment of the Independent Market Operator to run the SWIS market.  

 

The reforms implemented to date have already resulted in tangible benefits.  Network access facilitated by the reform process has been cited by renewable energy project developers as instrumental in improving opportunities for renewable energy projects.

Furthermore, the prospect of the disaggregation of Western Power and the establishment of a wholesale electricity market is yielding benefits to contestable customers through lower prices offered by Western Power, Alinta and other retailers and dual-fuel offers of both electricity and gas supply.

I am pleased to say we are now entering the final stages of the reform process with the restructure of Western Power and the commencement of the wholesale electricity market.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank industry and Western Power for their significant contribution to the implementation of the reform program.  I look forward to seeing these reforms deliver increasing benefits to consumers and the Western Australian economy.