Logan opens Broome Horizon office

Energy Minister Francis Logan has opened the Broome office of Horizon Power, the construction of which had taken place in conjunction with the West Kimberley Power Project, he said.

The news came as the minister launched EasyGreen, a carbon offset product from Synergy Energy.

The full text of Mr Logan's Horizon announcement, followed by the EasyGreen announcement, are pasted below

A new era in the provision of electricity to the Kimberley has dawned, with the opening of Horizon Power's new $3.7 million regional office in Broome.

The facility was officially opened by Energy Minister Francis Logan today.

Mr Logan said the new Kimberley Regional Office reflected Horizon Power's long-term dedication to the people of the Kimberley.

"Since its establishment following the disaggregation of Western Power in April 2006, Horizon Power has focused on providing localised customer service by opening regional offices and locating staff into regional areas of Western Australia," he said.

"The construction of this new office is a symbol of Horizon Power's dedication to its customers and the strong emphasis placed on connecting with customers within their regions.

"The new centre serves not only as a customer centre for local residents and businesses, but also as an operational area for line workers in Broome.

"It will also provide a training facility for the new Essential Services Officers program.

"This training program is an exciting new phase for Horizon Power to establish a local distribution network service and maintenance capability in remote Aboriginal communities.

"Applicants are currently being recruited from these communities and they will be trained by Horizon Power to provide power services to these communities."

The Minister said the construction of the new centre had taken place in conjunction with the West Kimberley Power Project, which would provide new gas-fired power stations to Broome, Derby, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

These power stations were due to come on-line by the end of November and would result in more reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly power supplies.

"This project, and the numerous others that Horizon Power is involved in throughout the Kimberley, are excellent examples of how regional Western Australians have benefited from the State Government's reform of the electricity market," Mr Logan said.

The Easygreen announcement is pasted below

Energy Minister Francis Logan today launched a new Synergy product that will make green energy - electricity generated by renewable energy sources - more affordable for more people.

The new product, EasyGreen, will be available immediately for Synergy customers.

"EasyGreen enables customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help the environment by purchasing affordable amounts of accredited green energy in $10 blocks," Mr Logan said.

"For example, customers now have the opportunity to spend an extra $10 per bill on green energy, which is equivalent to 227kWh of accredited green power. $20 would allow them to buy a 455kWh block (see table)."

For an average Perth home, a $10 EasyGreen commitment per bill is equivalent to leaving the family car in the garage for five months each year

The Minister said customers could still choose Synergy's NaturalPower product, which linked the purchase of green energy to customer's electricity consumption.

However, EasyGreen would allow customers to better manage their budgets because it provided a 'fixed price' green energy option.

Synergy chairman Michael Smith said EasyGreen increased the green energy choices available for customers and provided the opportunity for more Western Australians to make a contribution to the environment.

"Our product is not only good for the environment, but also for the budget of our consumers," Mr Smith said.

"All customers now have the power to make a difference."

Mr Smith said he expected the new product to drive increased sales of accredited renewable energy in WA, which would be an excellent outcome for the environment.

"We know there is increasing pressure on energy retailers to support renewable energy alternatives," he said.

"While Synergy has had an accredited GreenPower product in the market for a number of years, it is clear we need to develop products which empower customers to increase the uptake of renewable energy."

"The Carpenter Government is working to ensure our strong economy is delivering better services for all Western Australians," Mr Logan said.