At a glance
The SWIS distribution track
Quick answers
SWIS distribution, quickly
Who do I apply to for a SWIS distribution connection?
Western Power, through its published connection channels, with site, load and generation details. The NER does not apply on the SWIS - these are Western Power's own distribution connection processes.
Will my plant face export limits?
Possibly. Inverter-based systems may face export limits reflecting local hosting capacity - what the local network can absorb shapes what your plant is allowed to export, and discovering that late reshapes the business case.
Does my embedded generator need power system studies?
Lighter than transmission, but not nominal: larger embedded generators commonly need power system modelling to support protection coordination and voltage management - and batteries add charge/discharge and control-mode behaviour to the assessment.
How long does a SWIS distribution connection take?
Commonly months rather than years for straightforward connections; network augmentation, protection complexity or constrained local capacity extend it. Early enquiry with realistic plant data is the cheapest acceleration available.
When does a SWIS project outgrow the distribution framework?
When scale, export or network impact pushes it onto the transmission track - Western Power's five-stage process, with its staged PowerFactory and PSCAD modelling. Projects that grow mid-development can cross that boundary, so map both tracks early.
Do market registration obligations apply to distribution-connected generators in WA?
They can for larger generating plant - WEM registration questions sit with AEMO's WA functions, so confirm market obligations early even on the distribution track.
The pathway
Six steps to energisation
- Connection enquiry or application
Through Western Power's published connection channels, with site, load and generation details.
- Network assessment
Western Power assesses capacity, voltage and protection impacts at the proposed connection point.
- Technical requirements issued
Protection settings, export arrangements and any monitoring or control requirements - inverter-based systems may face export limits reflecting local hosting capacity.
- Offer and agreement
Connection offer, contribution to any required network works, executed agreement.
- Network and customer works
Delivered to Western Power's standards, with inspection and witnessing as required.
- Commissioning and energisation
Compliance evidence, protection testing, then connection.
Studies
Lighter than transmission - not nominal
Where a project outgrows the distribution framework, the five-stage transmission track takes over - with a very different study load.
The honest part
Where it gets hard
What the local network can absorb shapes what your plant is allowed to export - and discovering that late reshapes the business case. APD assesses connection points before the application is lodged.
Projects that grow mid-development can cross into the five-stage transmission process. Worth mapping both tracks early with a team that runs both - power system studies.
Official documents
Western Power's own pages
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with the network directly.
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