NEWS ARCHIVE

Western Power stockpiles oil for future crisis

Western Australian Opposition Leader Colin Barnett has gone on the attack after revealing that key WA Utility Western Power has been stockpiling imported oil in a bid to prevent another summer of blackouts.

Western Power stockpiles oil for future crisis

Barnett told the Legislative Assembly yesterday that the stockpiling was a scandal in light of the state’s extensive oil and coal supplies.

Energy Minister Eric Ripper was unable to confirm the extent of the program after Barnett questioned the expense of $20 million for 25,000 tonnes, but he defended the measure as one in the State’s interest.

Ripper also pointed to the ongoing sale of the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) as a major contributor to the State’s energy supply issues. Yesterday the pipeline’s sale was again postponed for another month as negotiations between the key bidders continued despite Government wishes for a quick sale.

The Government is also chasing assurances that the pipeline’s new owners will commit to expanding the asset in time for the 2005-06 summer, ensuring that Western Power would have sufficient supply to meet the increased demand.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the energy sector, brought to you by the Energy News Bulletin Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the energy sector, brought to you by the Energy News Bulletin Intelligence team.

editions

ENB Cost Report 2023

ENB’s latest Cost Report findings provide optimism as investments in oil and gas, as well as new energy rise.

editions

ENB Future of Energy Report 2023

ENB’s inaugural Future of Energy Report details the industry outlook on the medium-to-long-term future for the sector in the Asia Pacific region.

editions

ENB Cost Report 2021

This industry-wide report aims to understand current cost levels across the energy industry

editions

ENB Social Licence Report 2021

In its second year, this research now includes trends and new findings surrounding impacts and responses as the energy industry seeks to secure and maintain a social licence to operate.