❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses Verve Energy's gas usage following the Varanus Island explosion, inquiring about potential gas storage solutions and diesel fuel usage in power stations. The Minister denies ignoring gas storage possibilities, citing the Mondarra facility.
AnsweredQoN 671Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — VERVE ENERGY GAS USAGE
I refer to the gas explosion on Varanus Island. (1) Will the minister confirm that Verve Energy has received no instruction to cut back its gas usage? (2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE
I refer to the gas explosion on Varanus Island. (1) Will the minister confirm that Verve Energy has received no instruction to cut back its gas usage? (2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(1) Will the minister confirm that Verve Energy has received no instruction to cut back its gas usage? (2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(1) Will the minister confirm that Verve Energy has received no instruction to cut back its gas usage? (2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(2) If it has received instruction to cut back on gas usage, on what date did this occur? (3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(3) If no, what is the rationale behind this? (4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(4) Do the Pinjar, Kwinana and Kemerton power stations have the capacity to run on diesel? (5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(5) Have they switched over to diesel? (6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(6) If yes, on what date? (7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(7) If not, why not? (8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(8) Is it possible to store gas in underground reservoirs in Western Australia? (9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(9) If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility as a contingency plan for disasters such as the gas explosion? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for providing notice of the question. (1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(1) There has been no specific instruction to Verve Energy to cut back gas usage. (2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(2) Not applicable. (3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(3) In discussions with government, Verve Energy had made it clear that it was not in a position to reduce gas usage without risk of power outages. However, Verve Energy has endeavoured, to the extent prudent, to accelerate the return to service of coal power stations presently on maintenance outages and to reinstate retired generators at the Muja AB power station. Throughout the gas disruption, Verve Energy has consumed significant quantities of diesel fuel to the extent that stocks have been available to allow this. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(5) Yes. (6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(6) Diesel has been used at these power stations in significant quantities commencing from 5 June 2008. (7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(7) Not applicable. (8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(8) Yes, it is possible to store gas underground. (9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
(9) This question asked “If yes, why has the government ignored this possibility …”, which makes it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon Robyn McSweeney interjected. Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE : The question is wrong because the government has not ignored that possibility and indeed that is exactly what it is doing. Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon Robyn McSweeney : So we’ve got them, have we? Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Hon KIM CHANCE : A storage reservoir is operating commercially at Mondarra, south of Dongara. This facility is contributing gas to replace gas supply lost when the Varanus Island gas plant shut down. However, although valuable, this contribution is relatively small. The Mondarra facility has been developed in response to commercial demand and it is understood that further development of the reservoir is envisaged.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.