Western Australia has reached a milestone, with 100 standalone power systems now deployed across the state’s main electricity grid, improving power reliability and quality for regional and remote customers.
The units are powered by solar panels and battery storage, and include back-up diesel generation, which deliver cleaner and more reliable power.
This innovative green solution is a safer alternative to traditional poles and wires.
Standalone power systems (SPS) are particularly beneficial for regional customers, where supply costs are high and power reliability is impacted by distance, terrain and severe weather events.
SPS are now located in numerous locations throughout the Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern, with the latest installed following the Shackleton bushfire in early 2022.
A recent Western Power customer research report found high levels of satisfaction with SPS.
Participating customers rated their overall satisfaction at 8.2 out of ten (ten being ‘excellent’), while their satisfaction with poles and wires connection, pre-SPS, was lower at 6.7 out of ten.
Western Australia Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “The McGowan Government is committed to a greener, cleaner energy system, which is why we’re rolling out 4,000 standalone power systems across the state in the next ten years.
“Western Power’s survey is a great outcome, with more than 75 per cent of customers saying they were likely to recommend standalone power systems to others.
“The research also indicated renewable energy being important to rural customers, with a third of participating customers already using solar and believing it was the way of the future.
“There are 90 SPS currently being deployed by four Western Australia suppliers, which is creating a new industry and jobs for locals, and replacing around 330km of overhead lines.”
