Off-grid renewable systems are being rolled out to supply affordable and reliable power to remote customers in Esperance, Western Australia.
Site works to prepare for the installation of 13 Micro Power Systems (MPS) across 14 properties, with one system to service two properties, will commence in April 2019.
MPS are stand-alone power systems that consist of solar and battery technology, and include a backup diesel generator, in case more power is needed.
They will replace about 54km of ageing power lines, reducing the risk of bushfires caused by lightning strikes as well as risks associated with farm machinery.
Customers will not have to pay extra for the systems. They will pay the same tariff that currently applies for electricity from the overhead network.
Perth company, CPS National, will deliver and install the systems, which will be fully operational by the end of the year.
WA Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “These farmers are at the fringe of the power grid, east of Esperance and the Condingup area, where reliability isn’t as good and power outages take longer to restore.
“The MPS will provide the farmers with more reliable and safe power that will cost the state less to provide.”