Future Energy System Outlook

The FESO is a detailed, scenarios‑based study that guides planning and infrastructure investment in the SWIS to 2050. Each scenario presents a distinct and plausible view of how electricity demand and supply in the SWIS may evolve over time.

FESO 2027 will explore how current and future trends and commitments - including, rising demand, supply chain challenges, emerging technologies, net zero by 2050, economic growth and population growth - could shape the evolution of the SWIS.

By providing a clear, whole-of-system outlook, the FESO will help inform Government and private sector investment decisions and ensure that the SWIS continues to provide secure, reliable, and affordable electricity.

The inaugural system plan, the Whole of System Plan (WOSP), was released by the Minister for Energy in October 2020. DEED has since undertaken multiple system planning activities, including the SWIS Demand Assessment, the SWIS Transmission Planning Update and the SWIS Transmission Plan.

The FESO will fulfil the system planning requirements of a Whole of System Plan under the Electricity System and Market (ESM) Rules, section 4.5A. 

FESO 2027 will be delivered by a project team led by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) and supported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Western Power and modelling consultants.

To ensure the FESO is informed by a broad range of government, industry and consumer groups, we are consulting with industry participants, potential investors, policy makers, and consumers.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder input to the Future Energy System Outlook 2027 is crucial to ensure the planning reflects emerging conditions, priorities and opportunities. Through targeted engagement activities, including a public launch webinar, stakeholders are invited to help shape the scenarios, modelling inputs and assumptions that will inform long‑term planning for the South West Interconnected System and support secure, reliable and affordable electricity to 2050.

A public webinar will be held to provide an overview of the FESO and the Approach to Determining Scenarios for FESO 2027, followed by a Q & A session. 

Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm (AWST)

Format: Online via Microsoft Teams

Register for the webinar event

Sign up to the FESO Updates mailing list to stay informed.

Timeline

There will be opportunities for stakeholder engagement throughout the development of FESO 2027. Engagement timelines are outlined below, and will be updated as additional dates are confirmed.