Pilbara Pipeline System
The Pilbara Pipeline System (PPS) is a vital energy backbone for Western Australia's resource-rich Pilbara region, delivering natural gas to fuel the region's thriving mining and industrial sectors.
The following standard services are offered on the PPS, subject to available capacity:
- Firm transport.
- Interruptible transport.
- In pipe trade
A description of these services, including the Standard Gas Transportation Agreement (SGTA) can be found on the gas transmission services page.
Relevant tariffs for these standard services can be found on the tariffs and terms page.
Non-standard services or alternative terms may be available by negotiation.
Notes on services
Firm services are available over varying terms as set out on the gas transmission services page.
Interruptible services are only available while the pipeline is fully contracted in respect of the corresponding firm service.
APA is progressively rolling out In pipe trade service capability on all key pipelines. APA will prioritise this service rollout in accordance with shipper demand.
Metering and Measurement
Metering and Measurement obligations are outlined in APA’s STGA for West Coast, and for this pipeline are set out in the Metering and Measurement Requirements.
Credit support
APA has minimum credit support requirements that are a pre-condition to gaining access to pipeline services.
If you are interested in acquiring services for this pipeline, you can contact us on 08 6189 4300 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you may wish to make an enquiry by emailing us at commercial.contracts@apa.com.au.
We encourage potential customers to contact APA early when considering their gas supply and transport needs. Early discussion of needs improves the likelihood that APA can tailor services to meet them.
Potential customers do not have to submit a Formal Access Request to gain access to an APA pipeline. If you are interested in acquiring services for this pipeline, you can contact us at the contact details above to discuss your requirements.
For APA's non-scheme pipelines, you have a right to make a Formal Access Request pursuant to Rule 559 of the National Gas Rules. Lodging a Formal Access Request triggers a formal process of Access Offer and information exchange between APA and the potential customer.
You can make a Formal Access Request by completing in full the relevant User Access Request Form for the BWP and emailing it to useraccessrequest@apa.com.au.
APA is reporting financial information for its non-scheme pipelines — that is, pipelines that are not subject to full or light regulation, according to ERA’s Financial Reporting Guideline for non-Scheme Pipelines. The financial information for the six months to 30 June 2018 and the years ending 30 June 2019 - 2024 includes Pipeline Financial Statements based on Australian Accounting Standards, the weighted average price for services on each of these pipelines, and the number derived using the ERA recovered capital method (RCM).
Interested parties should read APA’s Basis of Preparation together with the completed financial information template that was developed by the ERA.
In addition, APA advises in relation to RCM:
- The assumed initial capital structure is 40% equity and 60% debt. The level of equity will increase in circumstances where there is a shortfall in annual revenue.
- The return on equity is a commercial return applicable in a workably competitive market. Historically, this return for an established pipeline was in the range of 9-11%, depending on factors such as risk, terms and counterparty.
- The cost of debt is based on a 10-year rolling average of a market rate applicable for an entity whose business is solely the ownership and operatorship of the particular pipeline.
Supplier Curtailment Methodology:
This Supplier Curtailment Methodology is established in accordance with Rule 101B(2)(f) of the National Gas Rules.
Conditions for Curtailment of Covered Gas Injected at Receipt Points:
The service provider may curtail the injection of covered gas at a receipt point if it fails to conform with the gas specification requirements.
Protocol for the Curtailment of Covered Gas Injected at Receipt Points:
For a more comprehensive overview of the curtailment process, please refer to Section 10 of APA Precedent SGTA | West Coast Grid Sample, which pertains to our West Coast Grid.
APA has commenced the process of undertaking an annual independent review in accordance with section 5 of the Deed Poll.
Further information will be released as the independent review progresses.