Improving Reliability in Denmark-Walpole
Release Date: 22 May 2007
Western Power recognises the need to improve power reliability in Denmark and Walpole as a priority. We are aiming to prevent prolonged interruptions in the area, particularly over peak tourism periods.
We are currently undertaking $14 million in Denmark and Walpole. It will be completed over the next three to five years to improve electricity supply to the area.
An initial $2 million will be spent to help overcome the reliability problems experienced over Easter:
Western Power has:
- Replaced and fixed the faulty equipment
Western Power will:
- Install five small transformers and two reclosers to help even out the load (demand for electricity) on the three-phase supply
- Inspect all the key equipment in the Albany substations and through to Denmark/ Walpole (before winter 07)
- Rebuild single-phase spurs around Walpole
The $12 million on capacity will be spent in two stages:
1. Underway now ($2 million)
- Install two voltage regulators; 1 at Torbay and the other at Tingledale.
- A new line section at the Albany end of the lines to Denmark and Walpole. It will be completed before Easter 2008.
2. To be in place by 2012 (based on current load forecasts / $10 million):
- Construct a new 22 kV line to Denmark. Before 2012 if the demand for electricity requires it.
Forty-five per cent, or $1.5 billion of the State Government's $3.5 million budget for improving power supply across Western Australia will be spent over the next four years to expand and upgrade the electricity network in regional areas.
A proportion of this work will deliver further benefits to Denmark and Walpole, through the Regional Power Improvement Program, a $40 million project to replace wood poles and a $9.6 million project to coat pole top equipment with silicon to reduce pole top fires.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
