WA’s standalone power systems reaches national milestone
- Western Power celebrates 100 standalone power systems (SPS) across the grid
- Comes as SPS customer research flags high satisfaction with the renewable solution
- A further 4,000 SPS to be rolled out over the next 10 years
Western Australia is leading the nation in the use of standalone power systems with 100 now deployed across the State’s main electricity grid – the South West Interconnected System.
This innovative green solution provides improved power reliability and quality for regional and remote customers, and is a safer alternative to traditional poles and wires.
SPS is particularly beneficial for regional customers, where supply costs are high and power reliability is impacted by distance, terrain and severe weather events.
The units are powered by solar panels and battery storage, and include back-up diesel generation, which deliver cleaner and more reliable power.
SPS are now located in numerous locations throughout the Mid West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern, with the latest installed following the Shackleton bushfire early this year.
A recent Western Power customer research report found high levels of satisfaction with SPS.
Participating customers rated their overall satisfaction at 8.2 out of 10 (10 being ‘excellent’), while their satisfaction with poles and wires connection, pre-SPS, was lower at 6.7 out of 10.
More information on SPS technology
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is committed to a greener, cleaner energy system, which is why we’re rolling out 4,000 standalone power systems across the State in the next 10 years.
“Western Power’s survey is a great outcome, with more than 75 per cent of customers saying they were likely to recommend standalone power systems to others.
“The research also indicated renewable energy is important to rural customers, with a third of participating customers already using solar, and believing it was the way of the future.
“Ninety SPS are currently being deployed by a new panel of WA suppliers, which is creating a new industry and jobs for locals and replacing around 330 kilometres of overhead lines.”