To maintain the stability of the electricity system and support the continued installation of rooftop solar, the WA State Government has introduced emergency solar management (ESM) – the capability to remotely turn off (and on again) new and upgraded rooftop solar systems.

From 14 February 2022, all new and upgraded rooftop solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less, and participating in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), must have the capability to be remotely turned off in an ESM low load event.

On mild, sunny days (usually weekends), the electricity generated from rooftop solar systems in the network is generally high while demand for electricity is low – affecting the stability of the electricity system as supply and demand are unbalanced. This can cause an 'ESM low load event ', requiring the remote management of rooftop solar systems to balance supply and demand in the electricity system.

ESM low load events are expected to be infrequent and required only for short time periods to prevent the interruption or loss of electricity supply during these times. Remote management is only intended to be used when all other available options to protect the electricity system have been exhausted. 
ESM does not interrupt electricity supply from the network – only rooftop solar generation is turned off. You will continue to receive electricity from the network if your rooftop solar system is remotely managed on an ESM low load event.

The introduction of ESM and the delivery of the WA State Government’s Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, a plan to integrate solar PV, batteries, electric vehicles, and other energy storage and generation devices into the electricity system, are part of WA's Energy Transformation Strategy.
ESM represents a stepping-stone, to assist in maintaining security and reliability in the electricity system, that could enable renewable generation to continue to be installed and connected to the network.

For more information on ESM and more, please see FAQs below or: 

• Energy Policy WA (EPWA), the WA State Government’s energy policy agency, here.
• The WA State Government’s statement regarding ESM, here.
• Western Power’s ESM technical requirements, here.