Horizon Power has successfully rolled out advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across six remote communities in the Kimberley, unlocking future benefits and savings for some of Western Australia’s most isolated communities.
The Western Australian Government, through Horizon Power’s Remote Communities program, has completed the installation of 99 advanced meters, in partnership with Kimberley Regional Service Providers (KRSP), in the remote communities of Chile Creek, Cockatoo Springs and Doon Doon (Woolah), La Djardarr Bay, Embalgun and Kupungarri.
This work forms part of the transfer of 117 remote communities from the Department of Communities to Horizon Power in 2023, which aims to bring energy equity to remote communities across the State and increase opportunities for Aboriginal engagement in the energy transition.
AMI refers to a system of smart electricity meters that enable two-way communication between utilities and customers. The meters provide real-time data on energy usage, providing customers with greater visibility and control of their energy use.
This includes the option to purchase pre-paid power via phone, online and the MyAccount app whenever required – reducing the need to travel to a shop for a power card, unless physical payment is preferred.
The move to advanced meters will also provide substantial safety benefits by enhancing Horizon Power’s ability to detect faults and issues in real time, lowering the risk of exposure to electrical hazards.
Horizon Power engaged with each community to support the transition to the new metering system, including face-to-face training, education sessions and the delivery of culturally appropriate education material to residents.
AMI meters will begin to be rolled out across the rest of Horizon Power’s service area in the coming months, with the technology set to be installed in a total of 13 remote communities by the end of the 2025–26 financial year. There has been $4.1 million State Government funding committed to the AMI meter program between 2024–26. The program supports the State Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap by 2031.
Horizon Power Acting Chief Executive Officer, Krystal Skinner, said the completion of the AMI pilot program marked a significant milestone in Horizon Power’s efforts to provide safer, more reliable, and equitable power solutions for First Nations people across Western Australia.
“Advanced metering empowers our remote customers – giving them a choice on how and when they use their electricity and access to the same vital concessions afforded to existing Horizon Power customers across the network,” she said.
“The AMI program is already progressing well in these pilot communities, with early usage data showing a strong uptake of customers transitioning to purchasing pre-paid power online from the comfort of their homes- a true digital transformation for residents who once had to travel large distances to shop for a power card.”
