The Western Australian (WA) Government announced Esperance’s successful shift to electric power thanks Horizon Power initiative that sets the path for the town to have a renewable energy future.
According to the WA Government, the private gas network owner and operator has today stopped supplying reticulated gas to the Esperance community
“This is a significant milestone for the State, demonstrating the first electrification of its kind for Australia. The project sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. While other organisations are in their planning stages, Horizon Power is making things happen,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
Minister Johnston stated that Horizon Power is a pioneer in creative, renewable solutions, assisting the State in reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“This project will serve as a blueprint for other electrification works around the country. We thank the dedicated project team, trades, suppliers, energy experts and the Esperance community, who have worked together to ensure the success of this innovative project,” Minister Johnston added.
Most individuals and businesses have now switched from reticulated gas to an alternative energy source, with electrification being the preferred option. Due to the transition, customers will benefit from lower energy bills and lower carbon emissions.
According to the State Government, Horizon Power had assisted Esperance clients since September 2021, when the private gas network owner and operator indicated it would cease supplying reticulated gas to customers.
Since then, Horizon Power has been working with registered households, companies, and tradespeople in Esperance on behalf of the State Government to ensure the changeover went smoothly and to satisfy the customers’ specific needs.
“The transition to electric power in Esperance represents a significant milestone for the town, ushering in cheaper energy prices for households and businesses and positioning the community for a renewable energy future,” Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne said.
In the following months, a small number of clients will make the switch. Some businesses have postponed, while others are waiting for specific appliances. Nonetheless, these consumers will continue to get service, and the impact on business operations will be negligible.
Consumers who have switched from reticulated gas to an exclusively electric solution will benefit from decreased utility costs while avoiding unregulated gas price increases. It will also help people to reduce their carbon impact by using energy-efficient electric equipment that emits fewer greenhouse gases than gas counterparts.
Horizon Power secured a 12-month extension following the private gas network owner and operator’s 2021 announcement to give Esperance residential and commercial customers time to move to a new energy source.
The State Government said it was discovered that switching from reticulated gas provided the most benefits to customers and the broader community while posing the fewest dangers.
Horizon Power then produced an Energy Transition Plan on behalf of the State Government to assist impacted consumers with transitioning away from the reticulated gas network and towards alternative longer-term energy alternatives.
The WA Government has contributed $10.5 million to guarantee that all affected customers are transitioned to a longer-term energy solution that best meets their needs, ensuring that they continue to have access to reliable and secure energy.
Customers have received financial aid for a like-for-like replacement, guidance from energy efficiency experts, connections with local tradesmen, and dedicated phone and email support through the Esperance Energy Transition Plan. Horizon Power collaborated closely with local companies throughout the process, with local trades completing 88% of home migrations.
