Upgraded power for remote WA communities
Horizon Power has delivered Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Kiwirrkurra – the first remote community in the Pilbara region, and one of the most remote areas in Western Australia.
This AMI project connects 57 households and key community facilities to Horizon Power’s network, giving residents access to safer, more reliable power, with prepayment services now available.
Customers will also have more options on how to pay, enjoy greater consumer protection, access to energy concessions and practical tools to manage their energy use.
Meter connections to critical facilities, including the medical clinic and school, have been upgraded and commissioned. A new prepayment outlet at the community store also gives residents the option to purchase power locally.
The rollout included advanced meter installation, electrical safety upgrades and behind-the-meter remediation improvements, delivered with the participation and support of Pilbara Meta Maya Services (PMM), an Aboriginal-owned regional service provider.
Kiwirrkurra is located close to the Northern Territory border, in the heart of the Gibson Desert, making it one of the most remote installations in Horizon Power’s service area.
This initiative is part of Horizon Power’s broader AMI program, improving safety, reliability and energy equity across remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, as well as supporting the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Target 9b.
Horizon Power Chief Executive Officer, Krystal Skinner, said the Kiwirrkurra rollout reflects Horizon Power’s commitment to practical, community-led energy solutions that improve access and support better outcomes for First Nations people living in some of the most remote parts of the State.
“Advanced Metering Infrastructure empowers our customers in remote communities, providing them with a choice on how and when they use their electricity” she explained.
“Residents who once had to travel large distances to shop for a power card can now purchase pre-paid power easily from comfort of their own homes, or at their local community store.”
The State Government has committed $24 million over 2026/27 and 2027/28 for Horizon Power to deliver Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) across remote Aboriginal communities.
The expansion of smart meters will improve network safety through faster fault detection, while giving customers greater visibility and control over their energy use and reducing the need to travel to access electricity services.
Main picture L-R: Rebecca Dalton (Horizon Power), Jack Rentsch (Horizon Power), Dwayne Oxenham (Horizon Power), Dinny Ward (Kiwirrkurra Community), Kayne Lewis (Horizon Power) and Brett Sutcliffe (Horizon Power).
