The Rural Power Improvement Program has been established to improve reliability of power in country areas of the South West Interconnected System. The State and Western Power equally fund this $60 million five year targeted investment program.
Energy Minister Francis Logan has announced 57 new projects to be undertaken across the SWIS and in the Esperance Network in 2007/08 and in 2008/09 under Phase 2 of the Program.
The Rural Power Improvement Program aims to specifically target the power distribution lines that have the worst reliability performance. These are identified by measuring and assessing the number, duration and causes of outages over recent years. Priority for funding and timing of work is assigned on the basis of these measurements.
Projects to improve rural reliability are selected and prioritised by a Steering Committee chaired by the Coordinator of Energy. Western Power, the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Local Government and Regional Development are represented on the Committee.
Project selection is based on the objective measures listed above, and the Committee does not seek applications for work to be done in particular local areas. The Committee selects projects to ensure the most effective, fair and transparent use of the Program funds. Selected projects are announced publicly.
Western Power is targeting a large range of smaller projects in 2007/08 and 2008/09, to improve reliability, spread widely across the south and north of the South West Interconnected System, and projects will be undertaken by Horizon Power in the Esperance rural network.
A total of 27 projects are being undertaken in the South Country region benefiting around 4,848 customers at a cost of $10.209 million. A further 28 projects are being undertaken in the North Country region benefiting around 9,357 customers at a cost of $10.224 million.
Horizon Power is undertaking two projects in 2007/08 and 2008/09 to improve the Esperance rural network at a total cost of $1.95 million. These works are expected to decrease the number of outages in the Esperance network by replacing and strengthening lines and will benefit around 1,481 customers.
The Rural Power Improvement Program has been very effective with some significant improvements achieved to date. The program has benefited customers in widespread areas of the South West Interconnected System including significant upgrades to feeders serving Dongara, Kalbarri, Merredin, Dandaragan, Watheroo, Narrogin and Collie.
The works on electricity lines associated with the Rural Power Improvement Program achieved a reduction of 14.5% on the average total length of interruption between May 2005 and May 2006, compared to a 6.7% improvement across the entire rural network over the same period.
Completed projects under Phase 1 of the Program focused on installing equipment to reduce the impact of faults on the worst performing lines in the distribution system. This equipment does not reduce the number of line faults caused by storms, fires, and debris falling on the line or other factors outside of Western Power's control. However, by effectively "dividing" the line into smaller segments, this equipment protects customers "upline" of faults from losing power. It also makes it easier for Western Power line crews to pinpoint faults and thus restore power much quicker. Phase 1 works also included some minor line upgrades.
Phase 2 works commenced in late 2005 and are focusing on a mix of improvements to existing lines and targeted new work, such as new feeder extensions and high voltage lines.
Quarterly progress reports and further information on the Program including maps, brochures, and question and answer sheets is available on Western Power's website.
Customers seeking information about particular projects, such as timing and likelihood of planned outages, should contact Western Power on 13 13 53.
Customers who are seeking more information about the policy basis for the Program can call the Office of Energy on (08) 9420 5600 and speak with Ian McCullough, Senior Manager Industry.
