Electricity Networks Access Code Review
The Office of Energy is reviewing the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004. We expect to publish an issues paper and invite public comments in early 2012. We will also contact key industry stakeholders directly to ask for submissions.

Key objectives
The review aims to:

■evaluate the code’s performance
■identify opportunities to improve access framework for the state’s key electricity networks
■make recommendations to the Western Australian Government based on findings.
Background
This code covers the network owned by Western Power – which is the majority of the South West Interconnected System. In the future the code may also apply to other networks. The code’s purpose is to make sure that:

■any covered networks are managed and expanded efficiently
■electricity generators and retailers can connect to and use the grid on reasonable terms.
The code has not been reviewed since it came into force in 2005.

Delivery

The review process involves a high level of consultation. The Office of Energy is now working on an issues paper. We will ask for feedback on both the initial issues paper, and a draft recommendations paper. Then we will submit a final recommendations paper to the WA Government. The code will only be amended if the government supports the Office of Energy’s recommendations.

The timeline for the review has been updated. The Public Utilities Office will wait until the ERA has made its final decision on AA3 before release its issue paper.

If recommendations from this review are adopted by the State Government they will be implemented at the start of AA4 on 30 June 2017.