❓ Dr. Honey questions the Minister for Energy regarding Western Power's technical requirements impacting rural electricity supply, specifically the 32-amp allocation and its effect on solar installers. The Minister clarifies that the 32-amp allowance is not new and emphasizes safety management.
AnsweredQoN 525Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY — REGIONS
525. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Minister for Energy:
Before I ask the first question, I would first like to
acknowledge the passing of Peter Dooley, a longstanding friend to all in this
place. He will be greatly missed.
I note the recent change in
the Western Power technical requirements from February 2022 that may impact 90 000 rural connections outside Albany,
Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury, which only have 32-amp allocations ,
which will impact rural families and regional businesses.
(1) Why is the
supply allocation 63 amps in Perth when rural properties are left with a significantly
lower supply allocation?
(2) Noting the
concern of solar installers who have seen a rapid drop in business as a result
of this change, is there a review underway by Western Power?
(3) When will the
results of any review be made public?
SUPPLY — REGIONS
525. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Minister for Energy:
Before I ask the first question, I would first like to
acknowledge the passing of Peter Dooley, a longstanding friend to all in this
place. He will be greatly missed.
I note the recent change in
the Western Power technical requirements from February 2022 that may impact 90 000 rural connections outside Albany,
Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury, which only have 32-amp allocations ,
which will impact rural families and regional businesses.
(1) Why is the
supply allocation 63 amps in Perth when rural properties are left with a significantly
lower supply allocation?
(2) Noting the
concern of solar installers who have seen a rapid drop in business as a result
of this change, is there a review underway by Western Power?
(3) When will the
results of any review be made public?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I
am pleased with the question. As I am not an engineer, the technical
requirements that Western Power apply to the need for safely installing
electrical equipment is not something I personally supervise. I have been
advised of the change, which is in respect of the safe operation of the
electrical system. The 32-amp allowance has not changed. That is not anything
new. That is the existing supply capacity on each of the circuits in regional Western Australia. I know
there has been some commentary about that having changed . That is, in fact, not a change. I understand there
is some impact from the safety management of the network , but the decision to operate the system in a safe
manner is reflective of Horizon and Western Power's safety management of the network. Again, there is an
implication that there has been a change to supply capacity , but I make
it clear that is not the case. The supply capacity remains exactly the same at
32 amps.
am pleased with the question. As I am not an engineer, the technical
requirements that Western Power apply to the need for safely installing
electrical equipment is not something I personally supervise. I have been
advised of the change, which is in respect of the safe operation of the
electrical system. The 32-amp allowance has not changed. That is not anything
new. That is the existing supply capacity on each of the circuits in regional Western Australia. I know
there has been some commentary about that having changed . That is, in fact, not a change. I understand there
is some impact from the safety management of the network , but the decision to operate the system in a safe
manner is reflective of Horizon and Western Power's safety management of the network. Again, there is an
implication that there has been a change to supply capacity , but I make
it clear that is not the case. The supply capacity remains exactly the same at
32 amps.
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