Do I need to notify Western Power?
Western Power vs your electrician
There's a dividing line at your property. The wiring, switchboard and fittings inside your installation are your electrician's domain. The supply that runs up to your home — the poles, wires and the point where the network connects to your property — belongs to the network operator. Across Perth and the Perth Hills that's Western Power (in regional WA it's Horizon Power). Some jobs touch both sides, and that's when Western Power has to be in the loop.
When Western Power needs to be involved
- A new connection or new meter — a new build, a granny flat, or adding a supply where there wasn't one.
- Moving the meter or connection point — relocating the meter box, or changes to where the network connects to your property.
- Temporary disconnection and reconnection — where works need the supply safely isolated, such as a renovation, switchboard or service upgrade, or moving the meter box.
- A supply upgrade — increasing the supply to the property, for example going from single phase to three phase for an EV charger, ducted air conditioning or a workshop.
- Permanent removal of supply — abolishing a connection, which is arranged through your electricity retailer.
Who lodges what
For most of the above, your licensed electrical contractor arranges the Western Power application and lodges the Notice of Completion. A couple of steps go through your electricity retailer instead — reconnecting a supply (the retailer sets up the account and asks Western Power to reconnect) and permanently abolishing a supply. We'll tell you which path your job needs so nothing falls through the gap.
Plan ahead
The network side runs to Western Power's scheduling, so it can take time — it's not something to leave to the last week of a project. If your job depends on a new connection, a meter move or a supply upgrade, flag it early and we'll get the application in as soon as we can, and keep you posted on timing.
When does a switchboard need upgrading?Board and supply upgrades are the jobs that most often bring Western Power in. EV charger installationEV and other big loads can call for a supply upgrade — where Western Power comes in. Talk to us about your jobTell us what you're planning and we'll sort the Western Power side for you.Quick questions
Do I contact Western Power, or does my electrician?
For most work, your licensed electrical contractor arranges the Western Power side — the connection, meter or supply application and the Notice of Completion. Some steps go through your electricity retailer instead, such as reconnecting an account or permanently removing a supply. We'll tell you which applies to your job.
What needs Western Power rather than just an electrician?
Anything that involves the network's side of the connection: a brand-new supply or meter, relocating the meter or connection point, temporarily disconnecting and reconnecting the supply for works, and upgrading the supply — for example going from single phase to three phase. Work inside your installation is your electrician; work on the connection to the network involves Western Power.
How long does Western Power take?
It depends on the type of work and Western Power's scheduling, and it can take time — so it's best not to leave it to the last minute. If your project depends on a connection, meter move or supply upgrade, tell us early and we'll get the application in as soon as we can.