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Remote Communities

Improving power services in Aboriginal communities across WA

Overview

The Department of Communities previously delivered power and water to 141 of our state’s remotest communities.  The WA Government recently transferred responsibility for these services to State-owned utilities Horizon Power and Water Corporation.

This is an important step in providing Aboriginal communities with the same access to safe and reliable essential services, regardless of where they live.

Read the media statement

 

  • What is happening?

    The Department of Communities (Communities), Horizon Power and Water Corporation want to make sure that everyone has access to safe, efficient and reliable power and water services.  

    Communities previously delivered limited, unlicensed power, water and wastewater services to 141 communities across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields through the Remote Essential and Municipal Services program.  

    On 1 April 2023, Communities began transferring responsibility for power, water and wastewater services to State-owned utilities Horizon Power and Water Corporation.

    On-the-ground power and water services will continue to be provided by community residents existing Aboriginal-owned regional service providers.

  • What will change for me and our community?

    On a day-to-day basis, nothing would change for you. The service provider who currently visits your community to maintain your power and water infrastructure would continue to do so.

    Horizon Power will now support the provider’s delivery of power services and Water Corporation will now support the provider’s delivery of water and wastewater services.

  • What are the benefits to my community?

    Your power and water services will be looked after by Government agencies who are specialists in providing these services and have many years’ experience delivering power and water, including in remote communities.

    The transfer is the first step to ensure residents receive the same standard of power and water services as similar sized communities in the State.

  • Who will I call when there is a fault?

    For any issues with your power, you need to call your existing on-the-ground service provider. Emergency contact details for each provider is below.

    Region Regional Service Provider Emergency contact details
    Kimberley Kimberley Regional Service Provider (KRSP) 1800 635 641
    Pilbara, Mid West & Gascoyne Meta Maya Services (MMS) 1800 062 503
    Goldfields Esperance Ngaanyatjarra Services (NgS) 0409 008 836

     

    Unsure who to call?

    Search for your community to locate your on-the-ground service provider.
  • How do I apply to for a new electricity connection?

    If you're connecting power to a property or block of land where there has never been a connection to the Horizon Power network before, you'll need to complate a new connection application.

  • Will the cost of my power change?

    As part of the transfer of responsibility, the cost of power will remain the same. You will continue to purchase your power or pay for it through your current provider.

  • What does this mean for bush-light assets? 

    Existing Bush-light assets continue to be maintained separately by the Commonwealth.

  • Do we supply our own diesel?

    There will be no change to communities supplying their own diesel.

  • Does Horizon Power cover just essential services or municipal as well?

    Horizon Power provides essential services for power such as power lines and other infrastructure. Should you require electrical items or repairs for your home, you need to contact Department of Communities if living in a Communities managed house, or a hire an electrical contractor if the premise is privately owned.

    To find an approved electrical contractor in your area, visit Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.

  • I am not billed directly by Horizon Power. Will I receive energy bill relief payment?

    If you live in a community that is serviced by Ngaanyatjarra Services (NG Services), Kimberley Regional Service Provider (KRSP), or Pilbara Meta Meya (PMM) you are not billed for your energy directly by Horizon Power. That means you need to apply directly to RevenueWA to get any eligible credit.

    The State Government has advised that households which are not billed for their electricity use by Horizon Power, will be eligible for an equivalent credit, except in exceptional circumstances.

    Work is currently underway on an application process for households not billed directly by Horizon Power. This work is being completed by the State Government via RevenueWA.

    Further information on the process for households not billed by Horizon Power to obtain an equivalent credit is available here.

  • How can I apply for the Household Electricity Credit?

    If you are not billed for your energy directly by Horizon Power, you can still apply for the Household Electricity Credit directly via RevenueWA. 

    Applications can be made through the RevenueWA online services portal by selecting the ‘Electricity Credits’ option. Residents will need to set up an account, log in, and submit their property information, electricity account, and bank payment details to apply. 

    Alternatively, applications can be made by phoning 1300 368 364 or (08) 9262 1165, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

    Further information on the process for households not billed by Horizon Power to obtain an equivalent credit is available here. 

  • When is Horizon Power going to talk to us?

    Horizon Power will be in contact with relevant communities to arrange when we can visit to discuss and understand the remote communities individual assets and infrastructure.

  • Can I install my own solar panels?

    To make sure we can continue to offer safe and reliable power supplies to all our customers, Horizon Power must approve all rooftop solar system applications before they are installed. This is to ensure they meet our technical requirements and are safely connected. It’s important to speak with an accredited installer before you proceed with your solar energy application and installation.

    Your Electrical Contractor is required to notify us and email details of the installation to Horizon Power at remotecommunities@horizonpower.com.au

What does this mean for our community?

Apply for a new electricity connection

If you're connecting power to a property or block of land where there has never been a connection to the Horizon Power network before, you'll need to request a new connection.

It will take approximately 10 minutes to  complete the application form

Faults & outages

For any issues with your power, you need to call your existing on-the-ground Regional Service Provider.

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.