At a glance
An access code, not a market rulebook
Quick answers
The Pilbara, quickly
Is the Pilbara part of the NEM or the SWIS?
Neither. The NWIS has no synchronous connection to either system. Covered networks operate under the Pilbara Networks Access Code 2021, with Horizon Power's ringfenced Pilbara business handling its coastal network and private owners managing their own.
Who do I apply to for an NWIS connection?
The relevant network owner. Connection is by enquiry and application - paired with a network access application on the covered network - with technical studies agreed case by case. Private-network connections are negotiated directly with the owner.
What is the Pilbara Networks Access Code?
The 2021 access code is the light-regulation access regime for covered Pilbara networks, overseen by WA's Economic Regulation Authority. It publishes process timeframes for stages of the covered-network pathway.
What studies does an NWIS connection need?
Scoped case by case, but the physics is unforgiving: an isolated system serving heavy industry means fault levels, system strength and stability margins all need genuine analysis rather than template studies - particularly for inverter-based generation entering a historically synchronous industrial grid.
How long does an NWIS connection take?
End-to-end duration is dominated by investigation scope and commercial negotiation - commonly many months to over a year for significant plant. The access offer is issued once the assessment is complete and investigation costs are settled.
Why does model data matter so much on the NWIS?
Building credible system models of an industrial grid requires data held across several parties - sequencing those requests early saves months. With no interconnection, stability has to be demonstrated within the NWIS itself, which puts real weight on model quality and EMT analysis.
The pathway
Enquiry to energisation on the NWIS
- Preliminary enquiry
With the relevant network owner - strongly recommended before any formal application.
- Connection application
And for access to the covered network, a paired network access application.
- Investigation and connection assessment
Studies scoped to the project; larger loads and all generation carry a deeper investigation stage.
- Access offer
Issued once the assessment is complete and investigation costs are settled.
- Connection works agreement
The works to physically connect, agreed and delivered.
- Commissioning and energisation
Against the technical requirements agreed in the assessment.
Studies
The physics is unforgiving
Study scopes are agreed case by case with the network owner - power system studies.
The honest part
Where it gets hard
A connection can touch more than one network owner's assets and agreements - the commercial map matters as much as the electrical one, and APD has navigated both on the NWIS.
Stability has to be demonstrated within the NWIS itself, which puts real weight on model quality and EMT analysis.
Building credible system models of an industrial grid requires data held across several parties - sequencing those requests early saves months.
Official documents
The access code and the network's pages
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with the network directly.
Proof, not promises
APD on the NWIS
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