Mr. Barnett questions the potential $100 million cost of oil imports by Western Power. Mr. Ripper avoids a direct answer, emphasizing security of supply and an 'insurance policy' against peak demand, hoping oil burning won't be necessary.

AnsweredQoN 441Legislative Assembly
Asked
17 August 2004
Portfolio
Energy

QuestionView source ↗

As a supplementary question, further to part (3) of my question, will Western Power import over a full financial year in the order of $100 million worth of oil? Mr E.S. RIPPER

AnswerView source ↗

I hope that there will be no need for oil to be burnt because the peak demand that would require that oil to be burnt will not occur. Western Power is investing in an insurance policy. It is taking seriously its obligation to our community. It is doing what the Government and Western Power said would be done after 18 February. We said that we would take every step possible to ensure security of supply, and we are taking every step possible to ensure security of supply. We are taking out an insurance policy. We may not need to invoke that insurance policy - we may not need to burn that oil - but if we do, the community will be very grateful that Western Power took those steps and a prudent course of preparation and prepared for a time of possible peak electricity demand.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I hope that there will be no need for oil to be burnt because the peak demand that would require that oil to be burnt will not occur. Western Power is investing in an insurance policy. It is taking seriously its obligation to our community. It is doing what the Government and Western Power said would be done after 18 February. We said that we would take every step possible to ensure security of supply, and we are taking every step possible to ensure security of supply. We are taking out an insurance policy. We may not need to invoke that insurance policy - we may not need to burn that oil - but if we do, the community will be very grateful that Western Power took those steps and a prudent course of preparation and prepared for a time of possible peak electricity demand.
I hope that there will be no need for oil to be burnt because the peak demand that would require that oil to be burnt will not occur. Western Power is investing in an insurance policy. It is taking seriously its obligation to our community. It is doing what the Government and Western Power said would be done after 18 February. We said that we would take every step possible to ensure security of supply, and we are taking every step possible to ensure security of supply. We are taking out an insurance policy. We may not need to invoke that insurance policy - we may not need to burn that oil - but if we do, the community will be very grateful that Western Power took those steps and a prudent course of preparation and prepared for a time of possible peak electricity demand.

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