Powering Perth's Communities
The Powering Perth’s Communities (PPC) project, both Phase I (to connect a 330 kV transmission line from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully in Kalamunda via gantry) and Phase II (to identify a new or existing switchyard for the 330 kV line to connect into) have been deferred.
The purpose of the 330 kV transmission line from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully was to increase the power transfer capability between generation sources located in the south west of Western Australia and the major load centre in the metropolitan area.
The switchyard was to enable Western Power the ability to connect and isolate powerlines so that, for instance, if a fault occurs on a line or at a switchyard, that area of the network can be isolated to minimise the disruption to power supplies to the community, thereby maximising the security of the network.
The PPC project is part of the South West Transmission Reinforcement project. The bulk transmission reinforcement project was proposed to enhance the capacity of the bulk electricity transmission network by connecting the Perth metropolitan area to the large generators located (or proposing to locate) in the south west region of Western Australia. The project entails establishing a new 330 kV double circuit transmission line connection from Collie to Perth by:
- stringing the 75 km long second circuit of the existing 330 kV transmission line from Collie (SHO) to Wells Terminal (WLT)
- rebuilding the existing 90 km long 132 kV line from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully as a double circuit 330 kV transmission line
- establishing a new 330 kV switchyard (South East Terminal, SET) in the locality of Oldbury.
View map of 330kV Bulk Transmission Network including proposed reinforcement
The bulk transmission network is a critical component of the whole South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and it is operating close to its capacity limits. The project has not progressed to regulatory approval stage due to uncertainty regarding the timeframe for developing new generation in the area. Alternative generation developments have deferred the need for this network reinforcement. We are continuing to review the need for the project in light of these revised plans in consultation with key government and industry stakeholders.
We have prudently progressed Phase I of the PPC project preserving the line route option from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully and have achieved many environmental and design milestones so that we can respond quickly to construct in time to meet load and generation requirements if and when they become necessary.
We may need to connect the proposed line from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully into a new switchyard at some time in the future in addition to the South East Terminal, which is part of the initial project works. South East Terminal will intersect the Muja and Kwinana to Northern Terminal 330 kV circuits and create a point for switching of the network.
The new switchyard site selection process has not begun, and the timing for the establishment of and location of this facility will depend on demand forecasts and the location of future generators. However, based on the information at hand, the new switchyard is not required until 2017 at the earliest.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding this project, please visit our blog (http://www.youhavethepower.com.au/) and start a discussion. We will source the answers from the subject matter experts within the business and share the answer with the community. Alternatively you can contact our project team on the details below.
Working with you
As part of the fresh start to the Powering Perth’s Communities (PPC) project, Western Power made the commitment to engage on the engagement model for Phase II of the project. The aim of this was to identify a preferred community engagement model.
To deliver on this commitment, we undertook a number of activities to gather feedback from the community that could then be used in the future engagement model. This information has been detailed in the report below along with transcripts from the interviews and community session. We are committed to ensuring the community is satisfied with their understanding of and involvement in the decision making process and this was the first step in identifying how they would like to be communicated with.
We will continue to provide updates to the community on the PPC project, both Phase I and II, as they occur. As part of our regular review of load projections and forecast planning, we are required to review all projects and to prioritise projects that will ensure the reliability and security of our network. Our plans always need to be flexible as changes to usage patterns, connection needs and forecasts mean that we often need to delay, advance or alter projects to meet the identified needs at any given time. In addition to this we must also demonstrate to our regulator, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) and the State Government, that we are building new and maintaining existing infrastructure within our approved budget. If you would like further information please visit the ERA website.
Downloads
- Powering Perth's Communities - Community Session Notes 28 April 2010 (PDF 554kb)
- Powering Perth’s Communities – Community Engagement Report (PDF 104kb)
- Powering Perth’s Communities – Interviews (PDF 263kb)
- Powering Perth’s Communities – Community Session Notes 11 February 2010 (PDF 229kb)
Contact
If you have any queries regarding the project, please contact the PPC team on 08 9326 4007 or email ppc@westernpower.com.au.
