Published on Wednesday, 5 April 2023 at 8:03:44 AM
As announced yesterday by Energy Minister Bill Johnston, Western Power will be increasing our rural power supply allocation to be in line with metropolitan areas, introducing one standard power supply across the entire South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
From 11 April 2023, Western Power will offer a standard connection service capacity of 63A for single-phase (240V) connections, providing the same allocation for all small use homes and businesses across the board.
Capacity limits for rural split-phase (480V) connections will also increase from 20A to 32A per phase, where the service is available. Three-phase (415V) connection services remain unchanged at 32A per phase across the SWIS and is dependent on service availability.
The increase to rural supply follows a comprehensive assessment of network impact and load pattern changes using Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data taken during a 24-week rural supply allocation trial that verified a standard connection service can be applied uniformly across the network safely and reliably for community benefit.
The new standard demonstrates Western Power’s commitment to transforming the network to facilitate the growth of renewables and electrification, and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to delivering the best possible power supply to the community.
Western Power’s New Standard Connection Services (effective 11 April 2023)
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Zone type within the SWIS
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1 phase
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3 phase*
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Split-phase*
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Metro, major regional centres and rural areas
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63A (240V)
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32A (415V)
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32A, per phase (480V)
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* Where the service is available
Main switch circuit breakers remain a safety requirement
Main switch circuit breakers are paramount for ensuring safe and equitable access of power supply for the whole community and remains a requirement for all new connections to the grid or when adding circuit capacity to an existing connected premise.
Rural customers who installed a lower rated main switch circuit breaker between 1 August 2021 – 11 April 2023 can upgrade to one rated 63A (for single-phase) or 32A (for split-phase, per phase) if they experience frequent electricity tripping, and may also be eligible to claim a (capped) reimbursement for the upgrade costs.
Detailed information can be found on the Western Power website.
If you have any questions regarding this, check the dedicated webpage for the latest information, including a comprehensive range of FAQs.
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