Western Power is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Non-Co-Optimised Essential System Services (Ncess) for reliability and system strength services in the North Country region of Western Australia. The services aim to address reliability and system strength concerns during planned or unplanned outage events affecting transmission lines. Prospective providers can offer solutions for reliability services (base demand and peak demand) and/or system strength services. The EOI process includes a market briefing event and requires proponents to submit pricing. Key dates include the EOI closing date of 3 July 2026. The draft Ncess Service Specification and contract template are available. Innovative non-network solutions are encouraged.
The preferred Ncess end date is ten 10 years from the commencement date, which is expected to be 1 October 2029 or earlier. The Ncess end date may be extended for up to fifteen 15 years beyond the initial expected Ncess end date.
The pricing structure includes a monthly fixed fee and a monthly variable fee, calculated based on metered output and fees associated with operation. The total monthly fee is the sum of these, less any capacity credit value and subject to annual reconciliation for unavailability.
Western Power will apply selection criteria including: valid submission, compliance with the 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 every 3 months are required until commercial operation. Western Power welcomes submissions across a wide range of technology types.
In the event the service is unavailable, there will be a reduction in payments by Western Power depending on the duration of the unavailability.
Supplier queries cutoff date for the EOI is Friday 26 June 2026.
Failure to provide required information for evidenced delivery, environmental approvals, project methodology, and technical capabilities will result in exclusion from the evaluation process.
