System expected to peak again today
Release Date: 07 March 2007
Western Power expects power consumption to continue to rise today as Perth swelters in its second predicted day of 42 degrees.
Yesterday, Western Power recorded the largest ever amount of power drawn from the network at 3533 MW, up 9 per cent from last year.
Western Power's General Manager System Management, Mr Ken Brown said that every year demand for power increases, primarily due to the economic growth as well as the penetration of air-conditioners. For example, 30,000 new homes were connected to the electricity grid in the past 12 months.
"We have certainly been tested in the last couple of months with recent lightning storms and extreme temperatures.
"I am pleased to say that the network has withstood the extreme weather well.
"Western Power is spending a record amount in investment in the network and is continuing to make improvements to reduce the likelihood and duration of power outages.
"With such a high peak expected today it is timely to remind people that every time we consume large amounts of electricity as a community we are burning a great deal of fossil fuels to generate this electricity, and we need to ask ourselves if there is anyway we can reduce our electricity use," Mr Brown said.
Energy tips
- Set your air-conditioner to 24 degrees or above
- Don't run air-conditioners all day if you aren't at home
- Turn off excess appliances and lights
- For more tips visit the Beat the Peak website
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
