Western Power joins the Government to launch Perth's Solar City
Release Date: 05 November 2009
Hon Peter Garrett, Federal Environment Minister today joined Western Power at the Midland Foundry to launch the $73.5 million Perth Solar City program. This will be Australia’s seventh demonstration Solar City. It will be located in Perth’s Eastern region.
Western Power’s Managing Director, Mr Doug Aberle said that the program will be offered exclusively to households covered by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) where residents will have access to significant discounts on solar energy products, be able to feed electricity into the grid and receive support in moving to a more energy efficient lifestyle.
“The Solar City Program is particularly important for residents and businesses faced with rising electricity costs.
The program will include the installation of smart meters, solar gas boosted hot water systems and solar photovoltaics (PV) systems. One of the key objectives of the program is to engage the community and encourage behaviour change in energy consumption through energy assessments and education.
“Western Power is excited to be leading the Perth Solar City program as it provides innovative energy solutions and provides easy to implement, practical solutions to using energy more efficiently,” he said.
Western Power was selected as the Solar City program leader in September and will be responsible for managing the delivery of a range of discounted energy efficient products and services to over 106,000 homes within the six member councils of the EMRC.
“The Solar Cities Program means that homes in the hills will be able to install greatly discounted solar panels, hot water systems and receive education on how to reduce power use without reducing comfort,” Mr Aberle said.
“In addition to the residential products, the Perth Solar City program will deliver five major demonstration projects across Perth that will showcase solar energy. These will be located at Perth Zoo, Kings Park, Perth Arena, Central TAFE and Midland Foundry.
Members of the consortium who will provide products and services for the Solar City Program include Western Power, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Eco Smart, EMRC, Prospero Productions, SolaHart, SunPower, and Synergy.
The EMRC includes the Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.
The Perth Solar City program will run from November 2009 until 2013.
For more information on the Perth Solar City program please go to www.perthsolarcity.com.au
(ENDS)
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Midland Foundry is located within the Midland Railways Workshops and was built in 1904 by WA’s illustrious Engineer in Chief, CY O’Connor, the mastermind behind the Fremantle Harbour and Kalgoorlie water pipeline.
The Foundry building is currently home to the ‘Midland Atelier’, a cooperative project between the Midland Redevelopment Authority, and FORM – an independent organisation which supports creative, cultural and arts based projects throughout WA.
One of the showcase projects will include a 58 kW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system to be installed at the launch site at the Midland Foundry, providing energy to the Midland Atelier.
The historic Foundry will be renovated and become the contemporary home of a group of creative industries including glass blowers, sculptors and fine wood craftsmen. The Foundry will be extended to provide a theatre, café and gallery retail space.
The Midland Atelier allows the community to view craftsmen and women at work.
The Heritage Green, located south of the Foundry and including other heritage buildings such at the old Power House, will bring together the activities of the Workshops Village and provide a common link between the heritage, education and residential uses to create a sense of place and community within the village area.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
