Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced a $37 million rollout of more than 180 standalone power systems (SPS) commencing in 2023, revolutionising power supply in regional Western Australia and providing significant economic benefits.
The deployment marks Australia's largest single rollout of SPS and will replace around 762 kilometres of overhead powerlines, improve land amenity for farmers and reduce the risk of bushfires.
Successful contractors for the rollout are WA companies Boundary Power and Hybrid Systems Australia.
SPS provides a more reliable, cost-effective and greener power supply to customers in regional and remote areas including Katanning, Wagin and Narrogin in the south-west, Merredin in the east and Latham in the north-east.
SPS use renewable energy which is more efficient and reliable than traditional poles and wires in supplying electricity to regional and remote households and businesses.
For more information on SPS technology, visit the Western Power website.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"These new contracts will create 90 jobs, including more than 15 apprentice positions, for Western Australians and support local businesses through the manufacture, installation and commissioning of the units.
"Western Power's traditional network of poles, wires and substations spread is now transitioning to standalone power system technology as a modern generation mix that better meets the needs of customers.
"The McGowan Government is committed to deploying 1,000 SPS in the next four years."