Regulatory changes in the Pilbara

Draft implementation plans for the Evolution of the Pilbara Electricity Access Regime and Pilbara Networks Rules

Energy Policy WA has released draft implementation plans for proposed regulatory changes to the Pilbara Networks Access Code (PNAC) and the Pilbara Networks Rules (PNR).

We are seeking submissions from stakeholders on:

• Draft implementation plan for the Evolution of the Pilbara Electricity Access Regime
• Draft implementation plan for the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules 

The draft implementation plans consider stakeholder submissions received in response to earlier public consultation. The draft implementation plans suggest timing, sequencing and consideration of triggers for proposed reforms.

The proposed changes were developed as part of the Pilbara Roundtable and PNR Pilbara Advisory Committee work programs. The changes are required to support the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to promote increased interconnection, increased renewable generation and increased private sector investment in the Pilbara.

Key objectives of these reforms include:

• Enabling efficient third‑party access to the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) that facilitates competition and innovation in generation and retail markets.
• Creating a regulatory environment with clear enforceable rights that allow access seekers to negotiate reasonable terms (e.g. pricing, technical terms, outage regimes) with network owners.
• Implementing appropriate mechanisms to manage market power of vertically integrated participants.
• Updating technical standards, system operation and market design to improve governance and transparency.
• Strengthening the governance arrangement of the Pilbara Independent System Operator.

Following consideration of stakeholder feedback, final implementation plans will be published by the end of 2025.

The public consultation period for the implementation plans will close 5:00pm (AWST) on Thursday 6 November 2025.

Previous consultation papers

Energy Policy WA previously sought stakeholder feedback on policy direction and change proposals for the PNAC and the PNR through two consultation papers.

The public consultation period closed on 29 April 2025.

Public submissions were published for both the PNAC and PNR consultation papers.

Relevant Documents

• Evolution of the Pilbara Electricity Access Regime Consultation Paper
   
• Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules Consultation Paper