The Electricity Industry Amendment (Distributed Energy Resources) Bill 2023 has been passed through the Western Australian Parliament, which aims to change the state’s electricity sector rules and introduce a modernised regulatory framework.
The Electricity Industry Amendment (Distributed Energy Resources) Bill 2023, which amends the Electricity Industry Act 2004, is the first major update of sector-wide electricity legislation in 20 years.
The bill introduces a new State Electricity Objective to provide a unifying theme for the state’s electricity sector.
Decision-makers must now consider the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, alongside reliability and price when promoting the long-term interests of Western Australia’s energy consumers.
The bill also provides clarity and removes duplication in the codes, rules and regulations that manage the state’s power system and electricity market by bringing them into a consolidated electricity system and market rules.
It will also establish the regulatory framework needed to enable customer devices – such as batteries, electric vehicles, and solar panels – to support the state’s power systems.
This legislation has been developed in consultation and collaboration with the electricity industry, and consumer representatives with the amendments reflecting a shared commitment to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity in Western Australia.
Consultation will continue as the State Government amends regulations and rules facilitated by the passage of the bill.
Western Australian Minister for Energy, Reece Whitby, said that modernising the state’s electricity legislation is an important step for Western Australia.
“The new State Electricity Objective will empower decision-makers to address the challenge of balancing sustainability, reliability and affordability, while ensuring decisions are being made in the long-term interests of all Western Australian electricity consumers,” Mr Whitby said.
“These amendments will future proof the electricity governance framework by enabling it to incorporate new energy generation and storage technologies.
“They will also unlock the potential for customer devices, like rooftop solar and electric vehicles owned by households and businesses, to participate in the power system.”
