Funding injection targets electricity network safety, reliability

22/05/05
A massive funding injection for Western Australia's electricity system will improve reliability and safety across the network, according to Energy Minister Alan Carpenter.
Mr Carpenter today confirmed that almost an extra half-a-billion dollars would be spent on capital works across WA's electricity system during the next four years.
The $488million injection - made possible by a healthy Budget surplus - comes on top of the record $1.8billion in additional capital and operating expenditure for Western Power over four years, announced by the Gallop Government last year.
"The extra money means we can fast-track system-wide improvements to WA's electricity system, improving reliability and safety for all customers," the Minister said.
"Ensuring basic infrastructure can meet the current and long-term needs of our community will be a priority in Labor's second term."
Apart from expanding the network to meet the demands of new customers, the massive investment will see the continued replacement of overhead service wires (including 'twistie' connections) and a reduction in transformer loadings at metropolitan substations.
An extra $70million will be spent on reducing bushfire risk, increasing pole maintenance and carrying out Energy Safety Orders.
In 2005-06 alone, Western Power's total capital works program will jump $135million to almost $600million - a 29 per cent increase on 2004-05. This includes $400.4million for transmission and distribution - a $76.6million increase, 24 per cent on the previous year.
This year's State Budget is expected to have a strong focus on infrastructure investment, as Labor starts delivering on its election commitments and aims to sustain WA's stunning economic growth into the longer term.
Mr Carpenter also confirmed that customer tariffs would remain frozen in 2005-06.
Minister's office 9222 9699