How we are regulated

Western Power's operations are guided by regulations, codes and legislation. These cover almost all aspects of our operations, from our performance targets and how much money we can make, to the proper disposal of waste and the safety of employees and the public.

Major regulators

• Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) - an independent body, which reports directly to Parliament.  The ERA reviews Western Power's budget, how we perform as a business, how the network performs and our technical standards
• Office of Energy - this body sets the guiding rules for the ERA and sets overall energy policy for the State
• EnergySafety - part of the Department of Consumer Protection. Energy Safety licenses electrical contractors and sets technical guidelines for the electricity network in relation to safety
• The Independent Market Operator (IMO) - controls the supply and trading of energy and electricity capacity in WA's Wholesale Electricity Market
• Other bodies such as the Environmental Protection Authority and WorkSafe set guidelines, which determine how we go about our day-to-day work

Regulations codes and legislation

The main regulations and codes governing our activities include: the Electricity Corporations Act 2005, the Code of Conduct for the Supply of Electricity to Small Use Customers, the Wholesale Electricity Market Rules, the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004 and the Electricity Industry (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2005.

The Office of Energy provides a comprehensive download facility for these regulations and codes and a 'plain English' synopsis of what each one covers.

The Wholesale Electricity Market

WA's Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) was introduced in 2006 as part of the State Government's progressive deregulation of the electricity market.

Electricity retailers buy power from electricity generators and pay Western Power a fee for transporting that electricity through their network.  The WEM controls the supply and trading of wholesale electricity between retailers and generators. 

It is managed by the Independent Market Operator (IMO), a corporate body which is also responsible for making sure enough electricity is being generated to meet demand, hour by hour.

The IMO operates in accordance with the Wholesale Electricity Market Rules.

Performance targets

Western Power's performance targets are determined by the ERA.  Our current targets will be reviewed in 2009 and every five years after that.