- New helicopter fleet to assist Western Power's response to emergencies
- Aerial support enables faster fault damage detection and power restoration
- Part of Cook Government's efforts to protect communities throughout Western Australia
Western Power's emergency response capabilities have been bolstered with the Cook Government contracting a fleet of six helicopters to support the rapid restoration of power for homes and businesses throughout Western Australia.
The helicopters - which are owned and operated by local business Corsaire Aviation - will launch from Jandakot and Geraldton and undertake aerial patrols, which are an efficient way of identifying faults along WA's main electricity network and reducing the duration of power outages.
This is significant, given Western Power operates and maintains one of the world's largest and most isolated electricity networks, which is frequently exposed to extreme weather events.
Emergency aerial fleets have previously been successfully used during emergencies, with up to four helicopters deployed per day late last year to patrol regional powerlines damaged by storms and bushfires.
Corsaire's fleet will also assist in the general operation and maintenance of Western Power's network, as well as the transport of personnel and equipment when required.
The Cook Government invests about $1 billion annually in upgrading and maintaining Western Power's network and is currently expanding its capacity through the Clean Energy Link Program.
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This investment will support power reliability for all Western Australians throughout our State's biggest electricity network, ensuring Western Power can rapidly respond when homes and businesses need it.
"It's yet another example of how our government is directing government-owned enterprises to work with local businesses, helping create jobs and diversify our local economy."
