McGowan Government acts swiftly to ensure gas supply

• Government working with industry to secure gas supply
• Actions prompted by gas supply outage
• Supply remains stable after Government, industry response

The State Government is working to secure WA's gas supply following an outage at Chevron's Wheatstone domestic gas plant near Onslow.

The plant experienced a technical failure on the evening of Thursday, January 5, which resulted in gas production ceasing.

The source of the failure has been identified and work is underway to begin a staged restart of the operation from Sunday, January 8.

The incident follows reduced supply from the Santos-operated John Brookes facility at Varanus Island and Devil Creek facility following recent interruptions.

The State Government has worked with industry, including gas producers and large gas users, to ensure supply into the Dampier to Bunbury Gas Pipeline continues to meet demand.

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

"WA's energy network is complex and challenges like these will occur.

"However the State Government has responded by working with industry to ensure WA continues to be well supplied with gas.

"Increased production and the use of stored gas as well as reduced consumption by industry means gas supplies have continued to meet demand.

"I would like to thank all market participants for their co-operative behaviour."

Australian Energy Market Operator Executive General Manager WA and Strategy Kate Ryan

"AEMO is aware of an outage at the Wheatstone facility, which is expected to be short-term in nature.

 "At this stage, there is no impact to electricity supplies in the South West Interconnected System, with sufficient supply available to meet demand.

"AEMO will continue supporting the government and gas industry by sharing information through the WA Gas Bulletin Board's Emergency Management Facility, as required."

Minister's office - 6552 6700