Western Power working with Atlas Fuels to get Geraldton site powered “as soon as possible”

Western Power is working with Atlas Fuels to get their power connection sorted, after it was revealed their Geraldton site had been without power since it opened.

Opposition Leader Shane Love spoke in Parliament on Thursday, expressing his displeasure for Western Power failing to provide stable connection to Atlas Fuels Geraldton.

Parliament was told the facility opened on August 13 without power, and had been relying on a generator in order to power the store.

Mr Love alleged the organisation had been given no indication as to when a resolution would be found.

“Western Power’s handling of this issue has been appalling,” he said.

“Atlas Fuels has been bounced from one department to another, with no clear path to resolve what should have been a straightforward power connection.”

It was heard in Parliament the estimated losses to Atlas Fuels was $125,000, following the store consuming 17,000L of diesel to Thursday November 14.

It was also understood Western Power inspectors visited the site on August 7 and signed off on the installation and connection.

However, information heard in Parliament suggested Atlas Fuels had their connection request denied, and applying for a new connection could take between 12 and 18 months.

Mr Love urged the State Government to prioritise Atlas Fuels’ power connection in Geraldton.

In reply, Energy Minister Reece Whitby said the process is in the design stage, following confusion with Western Power’s transformer.

It was heard in Parliament the previous supply was cut to the site in 2021, and a fault call was made in September 2023 due to no meter being on site.

As a result the connection was disconnected, and Atlas Fuels were advised to apply to have the property safely connected.

It’s understood Atlas Fuels filled out the application, but it wasn’t received until August 12, which was where the confusion happened.

“The application was made for a new supply, but because there had already been power supplied at the site at the size needed, only a reconnection was required,” Mr Whitby said.

“I am advised that on 30 September 2024, Western Power notified the applicant that they needed to request compliant reconnection or, more simply, a new meter.”

According to Mr Whitby, Western Power is working with Atlas Fuels to get it through the design process, but it would take about 12 weeks following the completion of it for construction to begin.

He was hopeful the issue would be sorted “as soon as possible”.

Western Power said it issued a quote for this project last week, and is working with Atlas Fuels to further the project.

“Western Power understands the importance of this project to the community, and recognising the specific challenge, has sought to fast track the project in close consultation with the customer,” a Western Power spokesperson said.

Atlas Fuels has been contacted for comment.