The Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 (the Access Code) prescribes a framework for access to distribution and transmission networks in Western Australia. The objective of the Code is to:
promote the economically efficient: investment in; and operation of and use of, networks and services of networks in Western Australia in order to promote competition in markets upstream and downstream of the networks.
The Access Code was established by the Minister for Energy and it is interpreted, applied and enforced by the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA). The Office of Energy administers the Electricity Industry Act 2004, under which the Access Code operates.
The Access Code sets out the principles, structure and approval process of Access Arrangements which describe the terms and conditions for users seeking access to an electricity network. Western Power’s electricity network in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) is the only network covered by the Access Code to date. Applications can be made to the Minister for approval of coverage of other networks.
Western Power’s access arrangement for the first access arrangement period (1 July 2006 – 30 June 2009) was approved by the ERA on 26 April 2007. Western Power has since submitted proposed revisions to its Access Arrangement for the second access arrangement period (1 July 2009 – 30 June 2012) which were approved by the ERA on 19 January 2010.
Code review
To find out about the current review of the code, visit Electricity Networks Access Code Review.
Code amendments
To read details of 2011 amendments to the code, visit Electricity Networks Access Code Amendments.
