- Cook Government to consult on new transmission connection contributions model
- Proposed model to required new and expanded transmission connections to pay $100,000 per megawatt from 1 July 2026
- Change to provide greater certainty for renewable energy investments
The Cook Government has opened consultation on a simplified payment model for major energy projects requiring a connection to Western Australia's main energy grid as the State continues its path towards becoming a renewable energy powerhouse.
The proposed fixed capital charge will apply to new and expanded transmission connections.
Under the proposal released today, generators, storage providers, and large energy users requiring a connection to the South West Interconnected System of more than 10megawatts (MW) will pay $100,000 per MW.
This will replace Western Power's current arrangement, which required first movers to pay the bulk of capital costs.
Transitional arrangements are proposed until 30 September 2026 to ensure projects that would have been processed under the existing shared assets arrangements are left no worse off.
With almost $1.7 billion already committed to deliver Clean Energy Link transmission projects, this simplified approach will provide greater certainty for proponents while balancing the cost of delivering this major infrastructure investment.
To find out more and download the consultation paper, visit the Energy Policy WA website .
