Existing Kojonup to Albany line route not an option for new line
Release Date: 27 September 2007
Western Power has revisited the option of building the new transmission line from Kojonup to Albany alongside one of the existing transmission lines, following numerous public requests that the option be reconsidered.
The recent assessment found that locating the new line alongside either of the existing lines would provide an unacceptable risk to the security of power supplies to Albany and the Great Southern and place an undesirable imposition on landowners already affected by an existing transmission line.
Western Power Major Projects Coordinator, Mr Ian Buchanan, said transmission lines require separation to reduce the chance of an external event, such as a storm or bushfire, impacting both lines of supply.
"The existing lines are separated by many kilometres over most of their length.
"This separation reduces the risk of a common event impacting both lines and completely cutting power to the region.
"Because of the appropriate placement of these lines, in thirty years of operation these large transmission lines have only experienced one event where both lines were tripped at the same time.
"If the two lines from Kojonup to Albany were located adjacent to each other the number of events that could impact both lines would increase substantially. Our records show that 31 events in the past 30 years could have impacted parallel lines.
"Network businesses, such as Western Power, prefer to have some separation between lines so that if a major storm event or fire, for example, destroyed lines, power could still be provided via an alternate route.
"In addition if Western Power were to build a parallel line it would compromise the 500 meter preferred separation between the line and houses, particularly in the Tenterden and Kendenup areas where there is a higher concentration of buildings on smaller landholdings.
"Where possible Western Power proposes to build the new transmission line at least 500 meters from existing houses to reduce the visual impact of the powerlines on property owners.
"There are numerous instances where avoiding existing buildings would mean deviating from the existing corridor and creating two corridors at these diversions, which would substantially increase the impact to the associated property.
"Many people have also asked why the new line can't be strung on the existing poles and if it is possible to replace one of the existing lines with a new one. Unfortunately to do this, power to Albany would be at an unacceptable risk of interruptions to power supplies for months while new circuits were constructed, and that is not an option," he said.
Community consultation has commenced on three possible line route corridors for the proposed Kojonup to Albany line - which is part of Western Power's long term plans to provide for the growth in demand for electricity in the Great Southern region.
The option to build the powerline via Gnowangerup is still on the table and will only be finalised when Grange decides on the timing of the development of its mine. Should this option occur a line between Albany and Wellstead to service Grange's mine will not be required.
Whatever decision Grange makes, a line between Kojonup and Albany will still need to be built to reinforce power supplies to the Great Southern.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
