Connection Costs Just the Next Energy Delay

Media Release | 4 December 2025
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Hon Dr Steve Thomas MLC
Shadow Minister for Energy

Shadow Minister for Energy Dr Steve Thomas says that the State Labor Government’s latest consultation process is another demonstration that it is years behind in the roll out of its failing energy transition.

“The announcement today of the opening of consultation on how much new energy projects needs to pay the State Government if they want to connect the WA power grid is yet another example of how far behind the Cook Government is,” Dr Thomas said.

“We are supposed to be halfway through the Labor energy transition process and the Government is just starting to consult on how new generation capacity gets connected.

“This lethargic performance explains why almost nobody in the energy sector believes the Government has any chance of exiting coal fired generation on their current timeline.”

Dr Thomas said the projected cost of $100,000 per megawatt hour has been floating around in discussions within the energy industry for over a year.

“It means a modest 100MW project has to factor in a $10 million connection cost, and a more ambitious 1,000MW proposal like a large renewable project will have to find $100 million to pay the state,” he said.

“It is appropriate for businesses to pay to access our isolated and independent Western Australian grids, but the delay in setting the rules and the costs is another unnecessary hurdle for businesses to overcome.

“Given the glacial pace of the Government’s transition, it’s no wonder they are desperate to get the State Development Bill through the Parliament, but even that won’t save their day.”

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Dr Steve Thomas 0427 908 717

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