Horizon Power celebrated its 20th birthday in April
For two decades, Horizon Power has delivered safe and reliable energy to communities across some of the most remote parts of our state.
Since 2006, we've been driven by a can-do spirit to deliver clean energy solutions to our customers across this vast state of ours. Our path has been one of real progress, marked by significant milestones.
See below for some of our important milestones from the last 20 years, explored through five‑year snapshots that chart our journey over time.
2006 - 2010
Key developments included the commencement of the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project, the opening of the Warmun Power Station in 2007, and the launch of Horizon Power’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal Communities Training Program in 2008.
This period also saw early innovation through the installation of prepayment electricity meters and the opening of major infrastructure such as the Pippunyah Power Station in Marble Bar and the Karratha Power Station in 2010.
1 April 2006
Horizon Power is established as part of the disaggregation of Western Power to better serve regional electricity needs in Western Australia.
Phase 1
of Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project (ARCPS) and Town-based Reserves Regularisation (TRRP) completed, benefitting 13 town-based Aboriginal communities and nine remote communities.
FY 2009
First prepayment electricity meters installed in two remote communities.
2011 - 2016
Key milestones included delivering a 1MW power station for the CSIRO’s Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder project in 2011, completing a $14 million network pole replacement program in 2013, and opening the $77 million Mungullah Power Station in Carnarvon in 2014.
Following the Esperance bushfires in 2015, Horizon Power pioneered solar stand‑alone power systems, leading into the Advanced Infrastructure Project completed in 2016, which replaced more than 45,000 electricity meters and prepared the network for smarter energy services.
$15.5m
to construct a 1MW power station supporting the CSIRO’s Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder project.
18MW
Mungullah Power Station at Carnarvon officially opened by Minister for Energy
Hon. Dr Mike Nahan MLA.
FY 2015
Teamed up with Kidsafe WA to promote electrical safety messages to regional communities.
2017 - 2021
This period included WA’s first utility‑scale batteries at Mungullah Power Station and the launch of the Smart Sun Pilot in Broome, creating an early virtual power plant. Horizon Power also opened stage one of the Onslow Power Infrastructure Project, introduced new customer programs such as prepayment meters and RAP initiatives, and played a frontline role in the State Government’s COVID‑19 recovery plan.
The period concluded with a nationally significant achievement, with Australia‑first DERMS testing on the Onslow microgrid successfully delivering periods of 100 per cent hydrocarbon‑free energy, demonstrating the potential for high‑renewable microgrids in regional Western Australia.
Phase 1
of Smart Sun Pilot Program begins in Broome, creating a first-of-its-kind Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
101
Pre-payment meters instaled across 13 Aboriginal communities, helping customers budget more easily.
Five year
Corporate strategy launched under the banner ‘When we are connected, our regions thrive.’
2022 - 2025
Key milestones included delivering major renewable projects such as the Kalumburu solar farm and battery, the opening of the Shark Lake Renewables Hub, and the successful completion of the Mid West Solar Program.
This period also saw expanded customer innovation through programs like Sunshine Saver, Smart Connect Solar, and Community Wave, alongside nationally significant achievements including the completion of the WA EV Network, new Indigenous Land Use Agreements, and the launch of Horizon Power’s Corporate Strategy 2025–2030, More powerful together.
August 2022
Sunshine Saver launches, helping customers who cannot access rooftop solar benefit from lower energy costs by providing eligible households with credits from shared renewable energy.
117
Remote Aboriginal communities and three town-based reserves transferred from Department of Communities to Horizon Power for the delivery of power services.
2025
Landmark agreements for hybrid power systems in Exmouth and Leonora signed.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.