Western Power has celebrated the opening of its new $18.2 million energy hub, which will service communities in the Great Southern region.
Western Power’s state-of-the-art facility, built by local Albany business Wauters Building Company, created around 70 jobs during construction and will provide improved operational efficiency.
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Part of Western Power’s Depot Modernisation Program, the new facility is designed to meet the growing energy needs of the communities in the Great Southern region.
In collaboration with local Minang Traditional Owners, Western Power named the new depot Kinjarling Pindjarri, which means Albany power and lightning.
Around 60 full-time employees are based at the Albany Depot, with the new facility able to accommodate future growth as required.
The facility’s design focuses on a safe working environment, including single-flow traffic, the separation of light and heavy vehicles, as well as new technology including electric vehicle chargers in the visitor car park.
The new depot replaces the former 45-year-old facility. Construction began in May 2021 with some delays due to COVID-19 impacts, associated building cost pressures and supply chain challenges.
Part of Western Power’s Depot Modernisation Program, the new facility is designed to meet the growing energy needs of its customers in the Great Southern region.
Energy Minister Bill Johnston said, “Western Power’s new $18.2 million Albany facility will be a central hub for energy services in the Great Southern region and provide world-class facilities for its employees.
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“It will safeguard the energy future for Western Australians living and working in the Great Southern while providing a purpose-built safe working environment for employees and continued employment for people in the region.
“The facility emphasises the McGowan Government’s commitment to transforming the South-West Interconnected System to ensure we deliver a safe, reliable, affordable and increasingly greener energy future for all Western Australians.”
