C2.1 Electricity
Most remote and regional communities have little control over the power generation and electrical supply systems available to them. Essential services providers and funding providers usually decide which type of system to use depending on the capital cost of the system and the size and location of the community. The table below sets out the power generation systems commonly found in communities across Australia.
Maintenance arrangements also vary. In most large communities, the power system is operated and maintained by an external authority. Smaller communities and outstations may own and operate stand-alone systems. Increased loads on the power system due to renovations or construction of new houses, or providing more health hardware in houses such as additional heating and cooling systems, will increase costs.
New power generation systems or system upgrades should take into account the likely development of the community over the next five to ten years. As well as the development of new housing and infrastructure, any other planned community buildings and businesses should be considered.
Since 2006 there has been a change in the proportion of fully electric powered hot water systems, with a reduction of 5% to 46% in surveyed houses. Now 47% of houses use solar systems, most of which have electric boosters. 72% of surveyed houses still have electric cooking appliances, with no change since 2006.
Overview of common community power systems
Community description Regional, any size, close to mains infrastructure Large to medium size community, not close to mains infrastructure Small remote community Very small remote community Power system Connection to mains grid Power house with two or more diesel generators Power house with one or two diesel generators Renewable energy system or diesel-renewable hybrid power generation system (a) Cost to consumer Power is usually cheaper than other sources because it is the same unit price is charged to all grid customersOff-peak low tariff rates may be available for hot water Power will be more expensive than mains power unless diesel fuel is subsidised Power usually very expensive unless diesel fuel is subsidised Power may be cheaper than from diesel power house because of fuel savings, initial capital outlay could attract a rebate Reliability Reliable Usually reliable because back-up generator is available to supply power when one fails Not so reliable because no back-up when generator fails and have to wait for mechanics or parts Usually reliable because multiple components can pick up load when one part not working. Have to wait for specialists to fix problems Maintenance No maintenance responsibility for community Often operated by external agency. If community does maintain they may need maintenance contract with a diesel mechanic and electrician Often operated by community, which requires a maintenance contract with a diesel mechanic and electrician May be operated by external agency or community. Can require specialist expertise for maintenance Growth No limits to growth in community Growth limited by capacity of generators.Ongoing capital cost as community grows Growth limited by capacity of generator.Ongoing capital cost as community grows Growth limited by capacity of generators, batteries and renewable componentsHigh capital cost as community grows (a) A renewable energy generation system consists of batteries for storing power and renewable energy solar panels, wind generators or micro-hydro generators. Diesel-renewable hybrid power systems incorporate a diesel generator which runs in conjunction with the renewable energy input.
Design and Specification
Ensure
- C2.1.1.
the houses are designed to be energy efficient, including passive design strategies to make them warmer or cooler and use of energy efficient appliances, particularly cooking and hot water systems
- C2.1.2.
the power generation system has the capacity to meet the load requirements of the proposed new buildings and associated infrastructure
- C2.1.3.
power is available to the proposed housing sites
- C2.1.4.
house designs take into account any load restrictions that may apply and use ‘no-volt’ relay switches for air conditioners and other appliances to manage loads.
Consider
If involved in planning a new or upgraded power generation and supply system, consider:
- projected growth and development of the community and areas identified by residents for this development
- the power requirements of proposed infrastructure and economic development initiatives in the community
- the financial capacity of residents to pay for electricity or whether government subsidies are available to make the power more affordable
- metering options such as ‘pay as you go’ card meters that may make paying for power manageable for residents
- emerging technologies that allow residents to easily view their house’s power consumption
- the financial and technical capacity of the community to operate and maintain the system, including access to fuel, spare parts and technical experts.
- C2.1.1.
Quality control
- that power is available to all houses
- AT HANDOVER
FINAL COMPLETION
- AT HANDOVER
- the power supply installation in the street and the house connection has been tested and certified by the power provider or manager of the generation system, as well as an electrician.
- AT HANDOVER
FINAL COMPLETION
TRADE TEST
- AT HANDOVER
- that power is available to all houses
Maintenance
Electrical safety is not limited to the house environment. Community power stations, power lines, transformers and pole fuses all play a part in ensuring the electrical safety of a community. It is essential for the safety of community members that power houses are kept secure from unauthorised access and that the generators, power lines, power poles, pole fuses and other parts of the electrical generation and distribution system are maintained in good condition.
- a maintenance contract is in place for the power generation system and that the electrical supply system is regularly maintained and kept to a safe standard.
- Electrician, Housing Management
- 24 Months
- a maintenance contract is in place for the power generation system and that the electrical supply system is regularly maintained and kept to a safe standard.
Standard And References
Centre for Appropriate Technology ‘Renewable energy in remote communities’, Bush Tech Brief #2, Our Place, 17, Winter 2002 Alice Springs, http://www.icat.org.au/documents/op17.pdf
