About the WA Reform Program

The WA Reform Program is AEMO’s program of work to facilitate the Energy Transition in Western Australia.

The Program will also coordinate other associated initiatives to manage interdependencies.

Background

The WA Reform Program was established following the successful implementation of the new Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) on 1 October 2023. The new market provides the foundation to implement Stage 2 of the WA Government's reform agenda, and the objectives of the broader Energy Transformation Strategy (ETS).

Our purpose and intent

AEMO has formed the WA Reform Program to manage the implementation of the next round of reforms to facilitate the energy transition in Western Australia (WA). As the energy system rapidly decarbonises, the program will address key elements of the electricity market design and system operation to enable new technologies and higher levels of renewable energy sources. The changes to be delivered under the WA Reform Program are a mix of:

Regulatory Initiatives

Energy Transformation Strategy (ETS) initiatives form the core of the program. These changes are driven by State Government policy and initiated by changes to the Electricity System and Market Rules (ESMR). Energy Policy WA leads the development of WA’s energy policy and is responsible for all changes to the ESMR – learn more at Energy Policy WA - Market Development.

Operational initiatives

Strategic and foundational initiatives support the WA business and provide the necessary capabilities and technology to enable the energy transition. AEMO may initiate changes of this kind where it identifies opportunities to mitigate operational risks, improve efficiency or better meet market needs.

Working together

As the energy transition in WA progresses the increasingly complex challenges require genuine collaboration and cooperation with and between government, industry and market bodies.

The WA Reform Program is committed to working with our stakeholders on ways to address challenges and harness opportunities in the energy transition, developing cases for change, designing solutions and coordinating the delivery of cost-effective reforms that are integrated and sequenced.

The continued focus on collaboration seen throughout the previous WEM Reform Program will ensure the program not only addresses the immediate needs of the market, but also paves the way for future advancements in energy technology and infrastructure.

Our forward work plan

AEMO maintains the WEM Implementation Roadmap to provide an up-to-date view of the three-year work plan of the WA Reform Program.