Capital Charges Scheme: impact on existing transmission connections
The State Government is progressing the Capital Charges Scheme, which will replace the existing approach to shared asset capital contributions with a fixed capital charge of $100,000 per MW for new and expanded transmission connections of 10 MW or more.
The Scheme is intended to provide greater certainty and transparency about shared network costs by replacing project-specific shared asset contributions, which can be highly variable and difficult to estimate in advance.
The capital charge will apply consistently across the SWIS, including to projects connecting to existing transmission infrastructure and Clean Energy Link projects. This reflects the interconnected nature of the transmission system and avoids reintroducing complexity and uncertainty by applying different capital charges depending on where a project connects.
Purpose of this Consultation
The Government recognises that some renewable generation and storage projects connecting to existing transmission infrastructure may face different commercial circumstances from projects connecting to new Clean Energy Link infrastructure.
This consultation is seeking information from renewable generation and storage proponents seeking new or expanded connections of 10 MW or more to the existing SWIS who consider that the capital charge would make an otherwise commercially viable project unviable. Proponents raising viability concerns are asked to provide financial analysis demonstrating the impact of the capital charge on their project. If the consultation identifies otherwise viable projects that would be unreasonably impacted, the Government may consider appropriate measures to address those impacts before the new arrangements are implemented.
Have your say
Energy Policy WA welcomes feedback on the matters outlined in the consultation paper.
Submissions can be made by email to: EPWA-info@deed.wa.gov.au
Consultation closes at 5:00pm (AWST) on Monday 7 September 2026.
Noting that submissions may include commercially sensitive information, it is EPWA’s intention that submissions will not be made publicly available. Submissions may, however, be shared with other parts of government unless explicitly requested otherwise by the individual or organisation making the submission. Stakeholders should clearly identify any confidential information.
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