January 4 2019 Security of power supply the critical issue for Geraldton Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney has welcomed the intervention of the Australian Energy Market Operator to keep the Mungarra power plant operational for the purposes of ensuring the security and reliability of electricity supply in the region. Mr Blayney said Mungarra has been an important part of the Midwest’s power supply. “It gets its gas from the NW Shelf gas pipeline and with its proximity to the Greenough solar farm and two wind farms, it has a number of gas turbines which switch on and off automatically as demand requires,” Mr Blayney said. “The Barnett Government built the first stage of the 330kv powerline to Three Springs, which strengthened the reliability of the Midwest’s power supply. “This was Western Power’s biggest investment for 20 years at more than $400 million. “I call on the McGowan Government to reassure people from the Midwest of the reliability of the area’s power supply. “Either Mungarra is closed and other investment is made like Stage 2 of the 330 kv line, to balance the amount of renewables in the Midwest, or Mungarra receives investment to guarantee the Midwest’s power supply. “People in the Midwest need a guarantee that their power supply is reliable and secure and that renewable investments don’t cause problems like they did in South Australia. “I also note news today of electricity supply problems in Mullewa which have again caused Doctors to have to throw out vaccination stocks . “The Midwest network needs continual investment to ensure reliable power supplies.” Media Contact |
