Generator called to prevent Augusta blackouts

Pumping out 500kw the ability to power 700 properties the generator will help minimise the impacts of the $14 million worth of upgrade work set to start on September 22  in the Augusta Margaret River region.

Approximately 800 power poles and 25 kilometres of overhead power lines will be replaced during the work and the generator will ensure local households and businesses will still have power.  

“Our crews have a few months of hard work ahead of them to safely remove the ageing power poles, put the new poles in the ground, install pole top equipment including insulators and transformers, and restring new power lines,” Western Power’s Head of Operational Maintenance Gair Landsborough said.

“The job requires us to use heavy machinery including trucks, cranes and earthmovers.

“We need everyone to be mindful about their safety near our work sites and the increased vehicle movements in their neighbourhood.”

While the generator is good news for those in the Augusta township, residents in Karridale will experience an interruption to power supply while crews reconnect the new poles and power lines.

Mr Landsborough said it would be necessary on occasion to interrupt power to some customers during the network improvement works.

“Many people understand that if electricity is treated incorrectly it can be extremely dangerous and that is why it will be necessary to plan outages while we are installing the new electrical equipment to keep everyone safe,” he said.

“If we need to interrupt power we will do our best to schedule the outage at times that will have the least impact on the community and we will notify everyone in advance.”

“Western Power is working to improve the safety and reliability of the electricity supply for our customers by delivering maintenance projects across the network."

Western Power customers can receive power outage information by visiting westernpower.com.au or calling 13 13 51.