Computers keep the lights on in Katanning
Release Date: 30 May 2008
Western Power has computerised the electrical network of Katanning to reduce the impact of power interruptions to residents.
Western Power spokesperson Kerrin Digney said computerising the network was important for Katanning.
“Katanning was one of the first country towns in WA to have electricity, so it is fitting that it be among the first towns to receive these new devices.”
The installation of devices called reclosers are a new, computer-linked version of old technology and will allow power to be restored with the push of a button.
“Western Power has installed six of the devices in and around Katanning and they will make a big difference in how quickly we can we restore power after an interruption,” Mr Digney said.
The new type of reclosers are connected to a computerised communications system making the Katanning section of the network visible to Western Power’s control centre.
“These computer linked reclosers tell us the location of a fault, so if we can’t fix the problem with the push of a button we can send a crew directly to the fault, speeding up repairs times,” Mr Digney said.
Western Power crews will install a further five computer linked reclosers in 2008 at carefully selected locations to maximise their effectiveness.
Western Power will also install devices called sectionalisers to break the network into smaller pieces.
“Faults affect all customers connected to the same section of line. Sectionalisers make sections of line smaller so faults affect fewer customers,” said Mr Digney.
The installation of the devices is a Rural Power Improvement Project, jointly funded by Western Power and the State Government.
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