❓ The WA parliamentary question addresses the cost of electricity for remote Aboriginal communities, the uniform tariff policy, and the potential for renewable energy solutions. The government expresses commitment to uniform tariffs and outlines pilot programs to extend regulated power and explore renewable options.
AnsweredQoN 744Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the cost of providing electricity to remote Aboriginal communities, I ask -
(1) Can the Minister explain the reasoning behind the uniform tariff policy as it relates to energy prices in Western Australia?
(2) Is the Minister committed to retaining this policy whatever the outcome of the electricity reform process?
(3) Can the Minister provide a justification for why some remote Aboriginal communities appear to be exempt from this policy, in that they are forced to expend significant sums on fuel to run community power stations, to the detriment of other priorities?
(4) Can the Minister describe whether or not such communities will be any better off under the Government’s proposed desegregation regime?
(5) If so, how?
(6) Does the Minister consider that such sites are prime candidates for renewable energy systems?
(7) If so, outline how these options are being pursued?
(1) Can the Minister explain the reasoning behind the uniform tariff policy as it relates to energy prices in Western Australia?
(2) Is the Minister committed to retaining this policy whatever the outcome of the electricity reform process?
(3) Can the Minister provide a justification for why some remote Aboriginal communities appear to be exempt from this policy, in that they are forced to expend significant sums on fuel to run community power stations, to the detriment of other priorities?
(4) Can the Minister describe whether or not such communities will be any better off under the Government’s proposed desegregation regime?
(5) If so, how?
(6) Does the Minister consider that such sites are prime candidates for renewable energy systems?
(7) If so, outline how these options are being pursued?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 June 2003
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for Energy
Response time
33 days
2. Yes, Government has consistently stated it is committed to uniform tariffs. 3. Remote Aboriginal communities are not currently supplied by Western Power and therefore fall outside the scope of the uniform tariff. However, as indicated in the recent State Budget, the Government has committed funds to pilot Power Supply Projects in five remote communities (Warmun, Bidyadanga, Bardi, Beagle Bay and Djarindjin/Lombadina). In addition to upgrading the quality of electricity services in these communities, they will be charged the uniform tariff under the pilot program. Subject to the successful implementation of the pilot project, the Government will consider extending the project to include other large remote Aboriginal communities with the objective of further extending the provision of regulated power at the uniform tariff. Under a State/Commonwealth agreement, remote Aboriginal communities receive a fuel subsidy from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth also provides some funding for capital works and upgrades to the energy infrastructure in these communities. The State is currently responsible for the repair and maintenance functions to designated remote communities. 4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
3. Remote Aboriginal communities are not currently supplied by Western Power and therefore fall outside the scope of the uniform tariff. However, as indicated in the recent State Budget, the Government has committed funds to pilot Power Supply Projects in five remote communities (Warmun, Bidyadanga, Bardi, Beagle Bay and Djarindjin/Lombadina). In addition to upgrading the quality of electricity services in these communities, they will be charged the uniform tariff under the pilot program. Subject to the successful implementation of the pilot project, the Government will consider extending the project to include other large remote Aboriginal communities with the objective of further extending the provision of regulated power at the uniform tariff. Under a State/Commonwealth agreement, remote Aboriginal communities receive a fuel subsidy from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth also provides some funding for capital works and upgrades to the energy infrastructure in these communities. The State is currently responsible for the repair and maintenance functions to designated remote communities. 4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
Under a State/Commonwealth agreement, remote Aboriginal communities receive a fuel subsidy from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth also provides some funding for capital works and upgrades to the energy infrastructure in these communities. The State is currently responsible for the repair and maintenance functions to designated remote communities. 4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
3. Remote Aboriginal communities are not currently supplied by Western Power and therefore fall outside the scope of the uniform tariff. However, as indicated in the recent State Budget, the Government has committed funds to pilot Power Supply Projects in five remote communities (Warmun, Bidyadanga, Bardi, Beagle Bay and Djarindjin/Lombadina). In addition to upgrading the quality of electricity services in these communities, they will be charged the uniform tariff under the pilot program. Subject to the successful implementation of the pilot project, the Government will consider extending the project to include other large remote Aboriginal communities with the objective of further extending the provision of regulated power at the uniform tariff. Under a State/Commonwealth agreement, remote Aboriginal communities receive a fuel subsidy from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth also provides some funding for capital works and upgrades to the energy infrastructure in these communities. The State is currently responsible for the repair and maintenance functions to designated remote communities. 4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
Under a State/Commonwealth agreement, remote Aboriginal communities receive a fuel subsidy from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth also provides some funding for capital works and upgrades to the energy infrastructure in these communities. The State is currently responsible for the repair and maintenance functions to designated remote communities. 4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
4/5. Remote communities will be more effectively served by the new Regional Power Corporation. The Regional Power Corporation will have an important role to play in the State's Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply pilot. Disaggregation of Western Power will involve creation of independent State Generation, State Networks and State Retail businesses. A separate and dedicated Regional Power Corporation will also be established in recognition of the significance of regional areas. Disaggregation will not involve privatisation of any of the new businesses. The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
The Regional Power Corporation will be established to operate in the North West Interconnected System and Western Power's regional noninterconnected systems, and will focus specifically on the needs of regional power consumers. It will have incentives to operate efficiently and lower its cost structure whilst having regard for positive social, regional development and environmental outcomes. It will also participate in the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
The Government's proposed Tariff Equalisation Fund will ensure that the Regional Power Corporation remains commercially viable. The new business will also have an obligation to ensure it has sufficient generation capacity to maintain reliability at the lowest efficient cost. In addition, the Regional Power Corporation will also be subject to technical and safety regulations to ensure adequate reliability, quality and security of supply in regional areas. 6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
6. Yes. 7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
7. The pilot Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which is being progressed in five remote communities will consider renewables as part of the energy mix for the community. This approach has been reinforced by a recently completed study commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Development Office on the feasibility of incorporating renewables in the pilot communities. The Government's pre-election commitment to connect Warmun to Ord Hydro is being explored and facilitated through the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project. However, the paramount objective for these communities is the provision of a high quality, reliable and affordable power supply.
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