A new $4 million stand-alone power system pilot project, which aims to shape the future of how electricity can be delivered to rural and remote West Australians, has been announced by the State Government.
Local MP Terry Waldron said six properties in regional areas including Ongerup and Lake King would trial the new stand-alone electricity systems.
“The electricity systems are made up of solar panels and battery storage, while remaining connected to Western Power’s grid,” Mr Waldron said.
The 12-month pilot program is being delivered in partnership by Western Power, regional electricity provider Horizon Power and electricity retailer Synergy.
“This stand-alone power system pilot is an exciting new initiative that has the potential to provide alternative electricity supply solutions for those living in rural and remote areas, now and in the future,” Mr Waldron said.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said during the pilot, Western Power would support six rural households located around the Ravensthorpe, Lake King and Ongerup areas.
“Each of these local properties will have solar panels, battery storage, an inverter and a backup diesel generator installed,” Mr Rundle said.
Mr Rundle said trial participants would document the experience via the stand-alone system versus the traditional poles and wires.
“If the trial is successful, Western Power will investigate the future use of these systems as part of a solution for other rural and remote customers,” he said.
This project is the second of its type in WA, after Horizon Power installed five stand-alone systems in a WA-first, in the wake of the Esperance bushfires.
Mr Waldron said benefits to customers included improved reliability and a potential reduction in bushfire risk due to the removal of poles in paddocks.
For media enquiries please contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225, email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle – M: 0418 959 810,
E:peter.rundle@nationalswa.com
