❓ Mr. Bowler inquires about power supply to Kalgoorlie, including connection waiting lists, demand levels, and grid upgrade plans. The Minister responds, citing confidentiality, demand figures, and exploring non-network solutions due to cost.
AnsweredQoN 8678Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
With reference to the supply of power to the electorate of Kalgoorlie, I ask:
(a) can the Minister name the companies on the waiting list seeking connection to the South West Integrated System (SWIS) in the Goldfields;
(b) what is the level of demand on that waiting list;
(c) is the Minister aware of how many companies cannot get on the waiting list but would do so if allowed;
(d) what plans are there to upgrade the Muja to Kalgoorlie power grid and when will that work starts; and
(e) if the grid is not expanded, what plans are there to meet future demand for SWIS power in the Goldfields?
(a) can the Minister name the companies on the waiting list seeking connection to the South West Integrated System (SWIS) in the Goldfields;
(b) what is the level of demand on that waiting list;
(c) is the Minister aware of how many companies cannot get on the waiting list but would do so if allowed;
(d) what plans are there to upgrade the Muja to Kalgoorlie power grid and when will that work starts; and
(e) if the grid is not expanded, what plans are there to meet future demand for SWIS power in the Goldfields?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 October 2012
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Energy
Response time
33 days
(a) No. Western Power is required under the Electricity Networks Access Code to keep all application information confidential.
(b) Presently, the load demand in the connection queue is 150 MW for the Goldfields. Of this demand, Western Power has included 71 MW in the central load forecast (to reflect customer proposals with a higher probability of proceeding).
(c) None. Any company is able to apply to connect to the SWIS, at any time.
(d - e) The uncertainty of load forecasts and the high capital cost of delivering the step increase in capacity mean that the current expectation is that non-network solutions will be a more cost efficient means to meet demand within the next 5-10 years. That said, Western Power will continue to review the economic feasibility of other network options within this period.
Under its regulatory framework, Western Power is obligated to implement the most economical approach to supply new major loads in the Goldfields. Non-network options that are available to Western Power include:
· 'curtailable load' contracts (at customers' discretion)
· making use of the surplus installed generating capacity in the Goldfields, and/or
· contracting with provider(s) of new local generation.
Western Power has been, and will continue to be, in regular contact with existing and potential customers, community and industry representatives to ensure the optimal approach is followed.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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(b) Presently, the load demand in the connection queue is 150 MW for the Goldfields. Of this demand, Western Power has included 71 MW in the central load forecast (to reflect customer proposals with a higher probability of proceeding).
(c) None. Any company is able to apply to connect to the SWIS, at any time.
(d - e) The uncertainty of load forecasts and the high capital cost of delivering the step increase in capacity mean that the current expectation is that non-network solutions will be a more cost efficient means to meet demand within the next 5-10 years. That said, Western Power will continue to review the economic feasibility of other network options within this period.
Under its regulatory framework, Western Power is obligated to implement the most economical approach to supply new major loads in the Goldfields. Non-network options that are available to Western Power include:
· 'curtailable load' contracts (at customers' discretion)
· making use of the surplus installed generating capacity in the Goldfields, and/or
· contracting with provider(s) of new local generation.
Western Power has been, and will continue to be, in regular contact with existing and potential customers, community and industry representatives to ensure the optimal approach is followed.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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