Site works to prepare for the installation of 13 Micro Power Systems (MPS) across 14 properties in the Esperance region will commence in April 2019 as part of the roll out of off-grid renewable systems to remote customers.
An MPS is a stand-alone power system that consists of solar and battery technology, and includes a back-up diesel generator, in case more power is needed.
They will replace about 54km of ageing power lines, reducing the risk of bushfires caused by lightning strikes as well as risks associated with farm machinery.
The MPS will be remotely monitored and fully maintained by Horizon Power.
General Manager Consumer Energy at Horizon Power, Mark Paterson, said Micro Power Systems represented a brilliant power solution for remote properties at the end of the grid where reliability was poorer.
“Traditional electricity lines that run more than 50 kilometres through remote bushland face all kinds of hazards like falling trees, lightning strikes, high winds and incidents with farm machinery,” Mr Paterson said.
“As a result, these customers who are east of Esperance and the Condingup area, can have frequent and prolonged power outages that may take considerable time to restore.
“Experience has shown us that customers love the MPS solution as it provides them with safe, reliable power, day after day.”
WA Minister for Energy, Bill Johnston, said, “The MPS project for Esperance highlights the McGowan Government’s commitment to transitioning to renewable energy technologies at the lowest cost possible to taxpayers.
“These farmers are at the fringe of the power grid, east of Esperance and the Condingup area, where reliability isn’t as good and power outages take longer to restore.
“The MPS will provide the farmers with more reliable and safe power that will cost the State less to provide.”
Customers will not have to pay extra for the systems. They will pay the same tariff that currently applies for electricity from the overhead network.
Perth company, CPS National, will deliver and install the systems, which will be fully operational by the end of 2019.
