What is the Western Power DER procurement?

It is a feeder‑level program in Western Australia to buy Network Support Services from DER, such as batteries and demand response, for summer peaks. Capacity scales from 18.9 MW in 2026–27 to 44.4 MW by 2028–29 across 23 SWIS feeders, creating multi‑year contracted opportunities for qualified providers.

Who can participate in the program?

Batteries, demand response providers, and DER aggregators are likely candidates, including community and behind‑the‑meter assets coordinated as virtual power plants. Success will depend on meeting telemetry, performance, and availability requirements, and on placing assets on the specific feeders where services are needed during peak demand periods.

How does this relate to SWIS peak demand?

The focus is local. Services target feeders that face stress during SWIS peak demand on hot afternoons and evenings. By guiding DER to those locations, Western Power can reduce constraints, improve reliability, and avoid costlier network upgrades, while providers earn contracted revenue tied to performance during defined summer windows.

Is this the same as Western Power NCESS?

No. The feeder program is a Network Support Services buy for local constraints. Western Power NCESS references broader system services discussions in WA, which follow separate market processes. The DER program is distribution‑focused. Some capabilities, like telemetry and measurement, can carry over if teams also pursue other WA service opportunities.

Global Market Insights

January 18: Western Power DER Procurement Targets 44.4 MW by 2029

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Western Power DER procurement is set to scale from 18.9 MW in 2026–27 to 44.4 MW by 2028–29 across 23 SWIS feeders. WA’s Coordinator of Energy has approved Network Support Services to shore up summer reliability where local constraints bite. We explain what this means for batteries, demand response, and aggregators in Australia. We also outline how this feeder program links to SWIS peak demand and how fauna protection upgrades will support operations.