Western Power update - new requirements for solar installation from 14 February 2022

Western Power update

New requirements for solar installation start on 14 February 2022

The energy sector is changing, and we’re committed to supporting the community and industry through this period of transition. 

We’d like to remind you of the following changes that came into effect on Monday 14 February:

• Emergency Solar Management (ESM) requirements: all new and upgraded inverters installed with a capacity of 5kVA or less will need to be capable of being remotely switched off (and back on), via API cloud or AMI meter control, during an extreme minimum demand event. Find out more here.
• New connection technical requirements: Solar providers and  installers must ensure new and upgraded inverters meet Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements.
• Embedded Generation Connection Process Changes: the application process will include additional steps to support ESM requirements. See below for more information. 

Western Power’s Embedded Generation Connection Process Changes

The Embedded Generation Application form will be offline between 14 – 15 February for maintenance, and will back online on 16 February with the following changes:  

• Your Retailer Reference Number (RRN) will now display the nominated control method either as: ‘Cloud’ (Offtake + API), ‘Meter’ (Offtake & Meter Control) or ‘NONE’ (No Offtake)

Embedded Generation Registration 

Following Western Power connection approval and after the inverter system has been installed, tested and a Notice of Completion has been submitted, you’ll be required to register the system with Western Power by submitting a new form - Embedded Generation Application Registration – detailing:

• Western Power Embedded Generation Application approval reference number 
• Inverter serial number of the new inverters
• Notice of Completion number 
• Circuit breaker rating 

Important links for more information

• Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements
• Distribution Customer Connection Requirements 
• Criteria and Requirements for Meter Control Webinar 
• Electrical Wiring Requirements for Meter Control Training
• Meter Control Fact Sheet 
• Western Power – Emergency Solar Management  

Keep up-to-date 

Visit Western Power – ESM for the latest information and subscribe for updates and news here.