Western Power is investing $2 million to upgrade the network in West Coolup in the Shire of Murray.
Executive Manager of Asset Operations Zane Christmas said significant network enhancements were underway, including replacing 141 poles, more than 23kms of high-voltage powerlines and upgrading transformers, crossarms, insulators, and reclosers.
“This extensive package of work will provide long-term improvements to the Shire of Murray residents’ power supply,” Mr Christmas said.
“The work will strengthen network infrastructure against weather impacts with the aim of improving power reliability by reducing the frequency of unplanned outages for the community.
“The remote-controlled circuit breaker upgrades we’re undertaking will help reduce outage durations and the replacement of the other infrastructure will ensure we maintain a high level of network safety.”
Mr Christmas said the business was working closely with the Shire of Murray to minimise disruption to residents and businesses including putting a traffic management plan in place to help manage traffic flow while the upgrade work is being undertaken.
“A number of planned power outages will be necessary for crews to safely complete the upgrades,” he said.
“Impacted residents and businesses will be notified by Western Power a minimum of three business days but typically up to 10 business days prior to any planned outage so they can prepare.
“We understand the inconvenience of planned outages and we thank the community in advance for their patience while we complete these works.
“The upgrades will provide long-term improvements to the resilience of the network and we’re confident the community will be pleased with the improvement of power reliability as a result.”
The works are expected to be completed in mid-2025.