In May 2021, the Energy Transformation Strategy Taskforce (the Taskforce) identified that reform of the Power System Security and Reliability (PSSR) standards and their governance framework is required to ensure efficient and effective decision-making around planning, upgrading, and operating the power system.
The Taskforce recommended the development of a single end-to-end PSSR standard for the SWIS governed by centralised governance framework.
To implement the Taskforce recommendation, all of the current PSSR standards will be reviewed and brought together in a consistent, single end-to-end standard for the SWIS under a centralised governance framework that will be implemented in the Electricity System and Market (ESM) Rules.
In December 2023, the Coordinator of Energy (Coordinator), in consultation with the Market Advisory Committee (MAC), commenced the PSSR Standards Review (the Review) to implement the Taskforce’s recommendation.
The MAC established the PSSR Standards Working Group (PSSRSWG) to support the Coordinator’s review.
The Review is being conducted in four stages, as follows:
- Assess the existing PSSR standards framework;
- Identify any gaps, duplications, and inconsistencies in the existing framework;
- Develop proposals for a single end-to-end PSSR standard and a centralised governance framework governed by the Coordinator under the ESM Rules; and
- Draft rules to implement the proposals.
Papers and detailed minutes of the PSSRSWG meetings are published on the PSSR Standards Working Group webpage, and the relevant MAC papers and minutes are available on the MAC webpage at Market Advisory Committee.
PSSR Standards Review Consultation Paper
On 19 June 2025, Energy Policy WA published a Consultation Paper that presents the findings and policy proposals from Stages 1–3 of the PSSR Standards Review. Developed in consultation with the MAC Working Group, the paper sets out proposals to consolidate, streamline, and improve the PSSR Standards for the SWIS.
The Paper includes proposals for:
- Updated network planning standards for PSSR to evolve and improve their application in the SWIS;
- A revised User Facility Standards Framework, that combines the connection standards in the ESM Rules and Western Power’s Technical Rules, to bring all facilities connecting to the network into one framework;
- Revised Technical Requirements (connection standards) to remove barriers to new battery and renewable energy technologies seeking to connect to the SWIS that can provide valuable services to the electricity system;
- A new SWIS System Strength framework to clarify the obligations of the market bodies, and Western Power in particular, to maintain system strength; and
- Revised governance arrangements for the updated end-to-end PSSR Standard.
The window for submitting feedback on the Consultation Paper closed at 5:00pm on 7 August 2025. Stakeholder submissions received are available below.
Consultation Extended: Proposal 20 - Adopting Western Power September 2023 Proposed Technical Rules Amendments
The PSSR Standards Review Consultation Paper published on 19 June 2025 (‘Stage 3 Consultation Paper’) included a proposal (proposal 20) for the ESM Rules to adopt certain PSSR related provisions from Western Power’s September 2023 Proposed Technical Rules Amendments (2023 Proposed Technical Rules).
Stakeholders were invited to review and provide comments on the relevant sections of the 2023 Proposed Technical Rules.
Following stakeholder requests, Energy Policy WA is providing a further opportunity and time for stakeholders to review proposal 20, and the relevant sections of the 2023 Proposed Technical Rules, by publishing the below Consultation Paper.
The window for submitting feedback on the Consultation Paper: Proposal 20 closed at 5:00pm on 11 November 2025.
Stakeholder submissions received are available below.
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