Bay powered for Easter

Albany & Great Southern Weekender
Thursday 13/3/2008 Page: 5

WESTERN Power is taking a safe approach to meeting the increase in demand for electricity which occurs in Bremer Bay during Easter. To avoid interruptions to the electricity supply that comes from Albany, Western Power will rely on power generated by a combination of a wind turbine and diesel generator.

Country regional planning manager Dean Frost said the 30 per cent increase in demand during Easter required a flexible solution. "We believe creating an island network just for Easter that's powered by wind and diesel generators is a sensible solution to a complex problem and it will insulate Bremer Bay from power interruptions," he said.

Mr Frost said the 180km long Albany to Bremer Bay line was interrupted by a variety of problems including wind-borne debris, vehicles hitting poles, stubble burning, birds and animals, as well as equipment failure.

"Although running the wind-diesel generators is a more expensive option, we believe that during the high tourist season when many towns benefit from the increase in visitors it is best to rule out interruptions from those factors," he said. The town will be connected to the wind-diesel generators from March 18 to March 27. Mr Frost said a disruption of about 15 minutes could be experienced during the connection process.