Work accelerated to improve power reliability in Peel region

Western Power has fast-tracked a number of enhancements to the power network in the Peel region ahead of summer.

Twelve programs of work have been expedited with the aim of improving reliability for homes and businesses in the region, including an upgrade to the Mandurah substation.

The work includes a new high voltage circuit, additional interconnections, and six new automated switchgears to assist with reconfiguring the network as required to speed up power restoration.

These upgrades will mitigate feeder issues caused by overuse, improving overall network reliability and increase capacity for the forecasted future demand.

The network upgrades will also ensure there is more flexibility between circuits and improved switching capabilities, allowing Western Power's network control team to isolate faults and re-route electricity when it is safe to do so.

It is expected that these enhancements will reduce response times and assist in getting homes re-connected quickly when faults occur.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said Western Power is working hard to ensure West Australians have reliable power now and in the future.

"Following last summer's heatwave - and in line with recommendations from the independent review into the Christmas power outages - Western Power has worked hard to mitigate risks, and accelerated works prior to this summer season," Mr Johnston said.

Mandurah MLA David Templeman said the fast-tracked work highlighted tho McGowan's Government's commitment to the Peel region.

"This investment by the McGowan Government will improve power reliability for the residents and businesses of Mandurah over the summer," Mr Templeman said.