❓ This WA parliamentary question addresses the decommissioning of powerlines and the ownership/maintenance of Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS) as part of Western Australia's energy transition. The response outlines the extent of powerline removal, ownership responsibilities, and cost arrangements for customers transitioning to SPS.
AnsweredQoN 503Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the infrastructure, transition and ownership of Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS) in Western Australia, and I ask: (a) how many kilometres of overheard powerlines have been decommissioned as a result of SPS installations to date; (b) how many kilometres are projected to be removed as the program expands; (c) who retains ownership and maintenance responsibility for SPS components, including: (i) solar panels; (ii) batteries; (iii) generators; and (iv) consumer mains and sub-mains; (d) what are the connection cost arrangements for customers transitioned from traditional poles and wires to SPS; and (e) are any cost concessions or incentives provided to those customers transitioned from traditional poles and wires to SPS?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation
Response time
8 days
(a) Approximately 930 km
(b) Approximately 18,500 km over the next 20 years based on current estimates.
(c)
(i)-(iii) Horizon Power and Western Power retain ownership and are responsible for the operation and maintenance of SPS infrastructure, in their areas of operation respectively, up to the point of supply.
(iv) For consumer mains and sub-mains, ownership and maintenance responsibility rests with the customer.
(d) There are no connection charges associated with the transition from the overhead electricity network to an SPS.
(e) Financial incentives are not provided for the installation of an SPS. Works to ensure effective installation or compliance with safety standards may be undertaken at no cost to the customer.
(b) Approximately 18,500 km over the next 20 years based on current estimates.
(c)
(i)-(iii) Horizon Power and Western Power retain ownership and are responsible for the operation and maintenance of SPS infrastructure, in their areas of operation respectively, up to the point of supply.
(iv) For consumer mains and sub-mains, ownership and maintenance responsibility rests with the customer.
(d) There are no connection charges associated with the transition from the overhead electricity network to an SPS.
(e) Financial incentives are not provided for the installation of an SPS. Works to ensure effective installation or compliance with safety standards may be undertaken at no cost to the customer.
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