Energy Minister Bill Johnston today visited a property in Neridup to view one of Horizon Power's new standalone power systems.
Horizon Power will install 17 standalone power systems in the Esperance region, making it Australia's first utility to remove parts of its poles and wires network and replace it with an off grid renewable energy power solution.
The standalone power systems enable customers to generate and store their own electricity, without connecting to the overhead electricity network.
With its own solar panels, batteries, inverters and back-up diesel generator, a standalone power system can supply power 24/7, regardless of the weather, and is more reliable and safe.
As part of the project, 64 kilometres of poles and wires, which are prone to outages caused by weather events, wildlife, farm machinery, accidents and bushfires, will be removed.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, which is mainly driven by the rapid uptake of solar panels and battery storage systems at homes.
"Improving our energy sector in Western Australia is essential and overdue, which is why the McGowan Government launched its Energy Transformation Strategy earlier this year.
"The Government is looking at a range of options and initiatives to evolve the State's power system and deliver a cleaner, brighter and more resilient energy supply for decades to come.
"Congratulations to the Horizon Power team for deploying these standalone power systems, which aligns with the Energy Transformation Strategy."
