Generator relocated to Horrocks after series of power outages

A 500kW power generator has been moved from Northampton to Horrocks following a spate of blackouts at the popular seaside town. Western Power relocated the generator and connected it in Horrocks on Sunday afternoon after the latest outage left more than 320 homes and businesses in the dark. The blackout started about 3.50am on Saturday, attributed to a summer storm that tore through the area that evening. Power was restored to all but 88 customers by Monday after crews identified several faults to the line. It was the fifth power outage in two weeks. Western Power said it installed the generator to supply electricity to key businesses in town while the main line was off. A spokesperson said additional generators would be connected on Wednesday to temporarily supply the whole townsite. “During the repair period, we’ll have a Western Power operator in Horrocks to make sure the generators are operating as needed,” they said. “During this period, we have accelerated our maintenance program on the network between Northampton and Horrocks and will conduct a variety of tasks — for example, additional line washing and replacing insulators where needed. “A number of poles have tripped as a result of a build-up of dust and other material from the recent weather and harvest conditions.” The 500kW generator was initially delivered to Northampton as short-term relief to its widespread blackouts, which saw the town suffer through sweltering summer heat without air-conditioning. One power outage on Boxing Day lasted 40 hours as temperatures soared above 40C. Western Power said it was also looking at installing a generator at Port Gregory, where there has been similar issues. “We have a dedicated planning and operations team assessing the longer-term reliability solutions for this area, and we’ll continue to audit and enhance the Kalbarri and Northampton feeders to improve power supply and prevent prolonged outages in future,” a spokesperson said. “Both Horrocks and Port Gregory feeders are priorities for reliability maintenance work.”