The Clarence Street zone substation has been in operation for approximately 46 years. It was designed to meet the needs of the population at the time. Since that time population and electricity consumption in the area has increased well beyond projected numbers. In recent years the load at the Clarence Street substation has increased at an average annual rate of five to six per cent. In addition, some of the existing substation equipment is nearing the end of its service life. This was clearly demonstrated with the power outages experienced in late May 2006 in the South Perth area.
At present, South Perth and surrounding communities receive power supply from the Clarence Street 66 kV/11 kV zone substation and the Collier Street 66 kV/22 kV zone substation in Como. As Clarence Street operates on a 66 kV/11 kV distribution voltage there is currently no ability for it to be interconnected with the higher voltage 66 kV/22 kV infrastructure. Installing new switchgear, to be housed in a new switchroom on the existing substation site will overcome this and allow the Clarence Street substation (PDF 227kb) to be connected to the surrounding 22 kV network.
The upgrade works will temporarily overcome any shortfall in power supply to the area, however in the longer term the Clarence Street zone substation will likely need to be upgraded to a 132 kV/22 kV site.
The Clarence Street zone substation comprises electrical equipment and powerlines. It provides an important link in the power supply chain by converting higher voltage electricity from a terminal substation to a lower voltage that is suitable for use in local homes and businesses. The electricity is transported to you through distribution lines.
Standard components of substations include switchrooms, transformers and relay rooms. A small brick building houses some of this equipment.
Extensive landscaping, re-fencing and clean-up to be undertaken by Western Power following the installation of the switchroom to improve the visual impact of the substation for and ensure it blends in more readily with the streetscape.
Western Power is committed to keeping the community informed about this project. Western Power will work closely with the City of South Perth on the new landscaping options.
Each time vandalism or unauthorised entry occurs at your zone substation the electricity network to the area becomes vulnerable. Furthermore, offenders put themselves at serious risk. Western Power would like to work with the South Perth community to minimise the risk, and maintain a safe, reliable and efficient supply of electricity to the area.
If you notice any suspicious behaviour in or near the Clarence Street zone substation, please report it immediately by phoning police on 131 444 or phone the Western Power 24-hour emergency and hazard line on 13 13 51.
As part of the upgrade to the existing Clarence Street zone substation Western Power has allocated funds to improve the general look of the zone substation. This will primarily be achieved through vegetation screening. As part of the beautification process we need the South Perth community’s support. Please help us to maintain a pleasant outlook for the Clarence Street zone substation and report any illegal or destructive behaviour.
To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Customers with accessibility issues.
Page update on 5 January 2007
