Skip to content

Why we love Stand-alone Power Systems 

WA has one of the largest isolated electricity networks in the world.  

So that presents us with an interesting challenge. We need to continue providing our customers with reliable and safe power, while also bringing more renewables onto the grid as we undergo an exciting energy transformation. And do it all in a cost-effective way. 

An innovative solution to this challenge is our Stand-alone Power Systems. 

Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS) have redefined the way we provide access to power in regional areas. 

It was one of the first new technologies we introduced as part of our wider energy transformation, to provide safe and reliable power to customers in regional and remote parts of the grid. 

SPS really are a win for everyone – our customers have access to renewable and a more reliable power, the community benefits from a reduced bushfire risk (by decommissioning many thousands of kms of overhead powerlines and replacing with SPS) and the grid’s network maintenance costs are reduced.

Many more SPS on the way for WA

We’re investing in this innovative energy solution, with a commitment to continue the roll out in regional areas across the grid over the coming decade. 

With this installation comes the progressive decommissioning of approx 15,000 kms of overhead powerline. We’re off to a cracking start - with more than 500 SPS units installed in regional WA, and strong customer satisfaction.

Smart off-grid power solutions for regional WA

Stand-alone Power Systems are redefining how we deliver power to our remote customers.

As WA is home to one of the largest island grids in the world, delivering electricity across such a vast network can be challenging. Some customers rely on long stretches of powerlines which can easily be affected by environmental factors - wind, rain, vegetation contact and lightning - so power isn't always reliable and maintaining these lines can be costly.

But Stand-Alone Power Systems, or SPS for short, are changing all that.

How do SPS work?

Stand-alone Power Systems are off-grid systems that operate independently from the main network. Each SPS consists of a renewable energy supply such as solar panels, battery energy storage system and a backup generator, making them completely self-sufficient power units. 

Energy is generated through the solar panels, providing power to the property and keeping the unit’s battery charged for when the battery is depleted. The generator kicks in when the battery is low to keep energy flowing. Watch the video to see SPS in action. 

Under the program, Western Power pays for the transition to SPS and for the operation and maintenance of the unit.

What are the benefits of Stand-alone Power Systems?

  • Improved power reliability:  As power is generated on-site, customers can expect significantly less or no power outages 

  • Removing overhead network: Powerlines will be removed once all properties on the connecting spur have been converted to SPS, allowing us to decommission the overhead network in this area 

  • Bushfire risk reduction: Lowers bushfire risks in rural areas 

  • Lowering emissions:  Up to 95% of the SPS electricity comes from solar panels and the stored solar energy in the battery, playing a role in moving towards a cleaner energy future 

  • Modular and adaptable: SPS units come in different sizes so they can be adapted to meet customers’ power needs 

  • Small footprint:  An SPS enclosure requires a small footprint, approximately 20m x 20m (400sqm), compared to long feeder lines crossing a property  

  • Remote monitoring: Our monitoring system can provide real-time visibility of the SPS unit performance, enabling preventative maintenance such as topping up the diesel in an optimised run. 

  • Greater resilience to severe weather: SPS generates and stores power locally, reducing customers’ exposure to outages caused by storms, bushfires and damage to overhead powerlines. 

  • Reduced electric-shock risk: Replacing overhead infrastructure with an SPS enables poles and powerlines to be removed, reducing exposure to electrical hazards associated with damaged or fallen network assets. 

When did we start installing SPS across WA?

In 2016, we launched a trial at six farming properties in the Great Southern. During the three-year trial, more than 189 hours of outages were avoided.

The trial’s success led to the roll out of an additional 52 units in 2020 and 72 in 2022 – but it doesn’t end there. 

We will continue the roll out in regional areas across the grid over the coming decade. 

Why are SPS an ideal energy solution for WA?

With such a vast and isolated network, off-grid systems like SPS are ideal solutions for remote areas.

But there’s more to it than just being a self-sufficient power unit.

Over the past decade, they have transformed power in regional areas. And with a decentralised and decarbonised energy future ahead of us, SPS a major player.