Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced a new investment in Energy Policy WA to modernise Western Australia's energy sector and reaffirm the McGowan Government's commitment to a low carbon future.
Energy Policy WA, which is implementing the Energy Transformation Strategy and recommendations of the Energy Transformation Taskforce, will undertake policy and market development, long-term power system modelling, and co-ordination of the energy sector.
Energy Policy WA will benefit from a $14.2 million investment, funded by the State Government and industry contributions, to deliver the Australian-first Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, which is driving the integration of rooftop solar, household and community batteries, and electric vehicles in our main electricity grid.
Energy Policy WA will also deliver a second Whole of System Plan following the release of the inaugural plan in October 2020, which was the first time a cohesive approach to electricity generation and distribution planning had been taken in WA.
Additionally, the Western Australian Advocacy for Consumers of Energy Program will receive a further $954,000 to support energy consumers, including building capacity in the non-government sector.
WA's energy sector is experiencing a rapid transformation, with one in three households now having rooftop solar panels; this is expected to reach one in two by 2030.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"It is an exciting time for the energy industry, with the McGowan Government supporting the evolution of the sector towards a cleaner, greener energy future.
"Western Australians have actively taken up rooftop solar panels, pushing the limits of our energy system, but fortunately we're acting to solve all the emerging challenges in the sector.
"The Energy Transformation Strategy sets out the steps we must take to continue to modernise our system and plan for the long-term needs of our State."
