Premier Alan Carpenter has congratulated Western Australians for their co-operation in ‘reducing their use’ over recent days, which has helped save vital energy supplies.
Mr Carpenter last week made a community service announcement, urging people to cut shower times, minimise use of heaters and turn off lights.
Western Power figures show during the morning ‘peak periods’ on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, householders saved between 60 and 88 Megawatts (MW) of electricity each morning - a saving of between about two and six per cent on the forecast demand level.
During the evening peak periods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the savings varied between 134 MW and 148 MW or between about five and six per cent on the forecast evening demand.
“WA householders can make and are making a difference during the current energy shortage,” the Premier said.
“This is a very encouraging result and shows that by working together, we are lessening the gas shortage impact on our families and on business, and helping avoid the potential for rolling blackouts.”
Mr Carpenter said the figures showed during Saturday night’s West Coast Eagles game at Subiaco Oval, the evening peak period saw a drop in electricity use of 148 MW or about six per cent on the forecast demand.
“A reduction of even 50 MW, or about two per cent, is enough electricity to power a city the size of Geraldton at any one point in time.” he said.
“To generate 50 MW, 15,000 litres of fuel would need to be burned.”
The Premier has also asked Government agencies to take all possible steps to reduce gas and electricity use.
“Saving energy not only saves people money but helps us redirect power to other areas which can help save someone’s job,” he said.
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