Western Power advised its staff yesterday that an estimated 215 roles are no longer needed as the utility continues a three-year program that has already cut more than 300 jobs.
Thermal power company Enerji has been appointed co-developer in a $300,000 state-run trial to determine the economic case for a micro electricity grid in Kalbarri that could potentially become Australia's biggest fringe-of-grid network.
Western Power has reported a substantial reduction in operating expenditure for the third year in succession, and says it is on target to deliver $1.4 billion in savings across its current five-year access arrangement.
Lower operating costs and an efficiency drive have helped Western Power record an improved net profit result, in a year where strong capital investment continued.
Western Australia's monopoly electricity network provider has been warned it may be facing a Kodak moment as consumers demand changes to how electricity is made and moved around the state.
Western Power has reported cost savings of $16.1 million in the first half of the financial year, while increasing spending on its capital works program by $93.5 million in the same period.
Western Power has achieved a five per cent reduction in operating costs as it aims to deliver greater efficiencies and a higher standard of service to customers.