Western Power is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Non-Co-Optimised Essential System Services (Ncess) for reliability and system strength in the North Country. Services are required to address reliability and system strength concerns during planned or unplanned outage events. The procurement covers reliability services (base demand and peak demand) and system strength services. Proponents may offer solutions for one or both services. Innovative non-network solutions are encouraged. Key activities include a call for EOIs, a cutoff for questions, and a closing date for lodgement. Pricing is encouraged as part of the EOI for funding considerations. The North Country is defined as the area supplied by the Rangeway, Geraldton, and Chapman substations.
The closing date for lodgement of EOIs is 3 July 2026.
Pricing structure includes a monthly fixed fee and a monthly variable fee, with the total monthly fee being the sum of these, less capacity credit value and subject to annual reconciliation for unavailability.
Selection criteria include valid submission, compliance with service specification, evidenced delivery, environmental approvals, project methodology, technical capabilities, Western Australian industry participation plan, and value for money.
Ncess service providers may be currently registered market participants or intending to register. For new facilities, progress reports are required every 3 months. Western Power welcomes submissions across a wide range of technology types.
In the event of service unavailability, there will be a reduction in payments by Western Power depending on the duration of the unavailability.
Failure to provide required information for selection criteria such as evidenced delivery, environmental approvals, project methodology, and technical capabilities will result in exclusion from the evaluation process.
