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 is being 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, policymakers, and consumers.

Stakeholder Engagement

We are currently engaging on the draft Methodology, Scenarios and Assumptions (MISA), listed below. The MISA describes the modelling framework, the three scenarios being tested, the principal assumptions and data sources, and the methods used to turn those inputs into FESO results. The public consultation period is now open, and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft MISA by emailing EPWA-info@deed.wa.gov.au by 30 October 2026.

Online Webinar

A public webinar will also be held to provide further information and support responses to the consultation. You can register your attendance at the link below:

When: 2.30PM - 4.00PM (AWST), Monday 19 October 2026
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Register now to secure your place.

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, 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.

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.