Our stories Kalgoorlie and Boulder network update Homes, businesses, and industry in the Eastern
Additionally, significant improvement has been made in operations and protocols in the region to minimise the impact of any unplanned outages, including: • uplifting resources in the area to ensure immediate support in the event of an unplanned power supply disruption • modernising the control system and communications capability at West Kalgoorlie Power Station, including installing a Starlink satellite communication system • upgrading the power station’s battery charging and black start capability • undertaking additional aerial inspections of the 220kV line • improving network operational and dispatch protocols in the event of an unplanned outage • updating settings to improve the network’s stability in the event the network in the area needs to be islanded. This builds on a range of investments we’ve made since 2021, with nearly $130 million invested in local network infrastructure and technology, including new static synchronous compensators, transformers, reactors at West Kalgoorlie Power Station, and additional transformers at the West Kalgoorlie and Black Flag substations. Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) Following an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process in 2024 Western Power published a call for NCESS submissions from potential providers for efficient and innovative energy solutions to improve the reliability and security of power supply in the Eastern Goldfields Region. A number of submissions were received and are currently being reviewed for their suitability to enhance the reliability and security of power supply in the region. We’re working collaboratively with Energy Policy WA to achieve a sustainable solution for the benefit of the Eastern Goldfields Community.
Goldfields Region are supplied via a single 220kV transmission line spanning 650kms. Due to the length of the line there is a higher risk of transmission related outages including severe weather-related damage, bushfire, windborne debris and third-party impact. The energy load is supplied via a combination of local generation and supply from the Muja region. To mitigate the impact of these unplanned outages on customers, Western Power entered into a Network Control Service contract for alternative generation via two gas turbine generators located at the West Kalgoorlie Terminal several years ago. In November 2024, Western Power secured additional back-up generation for Kalgoorlie- Boulder from TransAlta.
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Western Power Annual Report 2025
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