Five companies shortlisted to provide remote power

27/11/03
Five energy companies have been shortlisted to develop detailed proposals for power generation in remote Aboriginal communities.
Energy Minister Eric Ripper said the Government wanted to improve the reliability of power in regional and remote communities and had sought expressions of interest in a pilot project involving five remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley.
Mr Ripper said the communities of Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga, Djarindjin/Lombadina and Warmun were selected to take part in the project.
The aim was to involve the private sector in replacing aging power stations with modern, efficient, quiet and environmentally friendly generation plant.
"As it stands, Aboriginal communities do not enjoy the uniform tariff or receive any of the other pensioner, senior or other rebates available to communities supplied by Western Power," the Minister said.
"It is completely unacceptable that power supply arrangements for Aboriginal communities should be so different to those in non-indigenous communities."
The companies selected to submit detailed proposals in early 2004 were:

• Burns and Roe Worley Pty Ltd;
• Energy Developments Ltd;
• Kimberley Regional Service Providers;
• PowerCorp Operations Pty Ltd; and
• StateWest Power Pty Ltd.

"This is an important step forward in addressing the safety, reliability and affordability of power in Aboriginal communities," Mr Ripper said.
The Minister said an expensive and intermittent power supply was a significant contributor to social disadvantage.
"Communities will receive a regulated power supply at standards comparable to mainstream towns of similar size and geographic location, with positive implications for environmental health," he said.
Mr Ripper said the State Government working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission were working together to jointly plan and fund improvements to the infrastructure in remote Aboriginal communities.
The State Government and the Commonwealth, through ATSIS, would share the cost of upgrading power networks and subsidising power supply in the communities.
Mr Ripper said 12 proposals had been received and were evaluated on the basis of financial soundness, demonstrated experience and expertise in similar projects, proven record of proposed technology, corporate citizenship and commitment to developing good community relations. A shortlist list of five was selected to develop detailed proposals.
"Western Power will manage the power procurement process and take over responsibility from the communities for providing their power supplies," the Minister said.
"It's hoped the power stations will be operating by early 2005."
Minister's office: 9222 8788