❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding power generation capacity on and after February 17, 2004, focusing on limitations due to plant capacity, gas supply, and other reasons. The Minister provides a detailed response, including specific power stations and their constraints.
AnsweredQoN 103Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to his answer to question without notice 55 on 5 March. (1) For each power station listed in his answer, will the minister indicate which stations could not generate power above the peak loads generated on 17 February, if required the following day due to - (a) plant reaching its maximum capacity on 17 February; (b) additional capacity not available due to a lack of gas supplies and alternative fuel was not an option; or (c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason? (2) How much additional power generating capacity did Western Power have from its own plants on 17 February and which had available fuel supplies? (3) How much additional power could Western Power have sourced from other power generators above the levels reached on 17 February, if it was needed on the following day? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(1) For each power station listed in his answer, will the minister indicate which stations could not generate power above the peak loads generated on 17 February, if required the following day due to - (a) plant reaching its maximum capacity on 17 February; (b) additional capacity not available due to a lack of gas supplies and alternative fuel was not an option; or (c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason? (2) How much additional power generating capacity did Western Power have from its own plants on 17 February and which had available fuel supplies? (3) How much additional power could Western Power have sourced from other power generators above the levels reached on 17 February, if it was needed on the following day? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(b) additional capacity not available due to a lack of gas supplies and alternative fuel was not an option; or (c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason?
(c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason?
(3) How much additional power could Western Power have sourced from other power generators above the levels reached on 17 February, if it was needed on the following day? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak.
(c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak.
(3) Five megawatts.
(1) For each power station listed in his answer, will the minister indicate which stations could not generate power above the peak loads generated on 17 February, if required the following day due to - (a) plant reaching its maximum capacity on 17 February; (b) additional capacity not available due to a lack of gas supplies and alternative fuel was not an option; or (c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason? (2) How much additional power generating capacity did Western Power have from its own plants on 17 February and which had available fuel supplies? (3) How much additional power could Western Power have sourced from other power generators above the levels reached on 17 February, if it was needed on the following day? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(b) additional capacity not available due to a lack of gas supplies and alternative fuel was not an option; or (c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason?
(c) maximum capacity being unavailable for another reason?
(3) How much additional power could Western Power have sourced from other power generators above the levels reached on 17 February, if it was needed on the following day? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
The Minister for Energy provided the following reply: (1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(1) As the member is aware, a review into the events that led to the implementation of the supply system emergency management plan has commenced. A committee will review and test all relevant information and is scheduled to report on its findings at the end of March. The review may bring to light additional information or provide a different view on the information contained herein. However, on my insistence I am able to advise the following - Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon Norman Moore: Why do you keep giving the same answer? Why not say ditto? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Does the member want the answer or not? (a) The Collie power station, the Muja power station - except unit 5 - Worsley co-generation and the Albany wind farm. The Kwinana and Cockburn power stations were operating at maximum output and could not generate electricity in excess of that generated on 17 February. The Kwinana, Geraldton and west Kalgoorlie gas turbines were also operating at maximum output on 17 February. (b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak. (2) The 60 to 70-megawatt Pinjar, Mungarra and Tiwest power stations operated at nearly full load, but had reserve. (3) Five megawatts.
(b) Due to the unavailability of gas, the generating capacity of units 5 and 6 of the Kwinana power station were restricted. (c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak.
(c) Muja power station, unit 2, which has a 60-megawatt capacity, was unavailable until the late morning on 18 February due to a tube leak.
(3) Five megawatts.
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