Remote Communities

The Department of Communities (Communities), Horizon Power and Water Corporation want to make sure that everyone has access to safe, efficient and reliable power and water services.  

Communities previously delivered limited, unlicensed power, water and wastewater services to 141 communities across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields through the Remote Essential and Municipal Services program.  

On 1 April 2023, Communities began transferring responsibility for power, water and wastewater services to State-owned utilities Horizon Power and Water Corporation.

On-the-ground power and water services will continue to be provided by community residents existing Aboriginal-owned regional service providers.

On a day-to-day basis, nothing would change for you. The service provider who currently visits your community to maintain your power and water infrastructure would continue to do so.

Horizon Power will now support the provider’s delivery of power services and Water Corporation will now support the provider’s delivery of water and wastewater services.

Your power and water services will be looked after by Government agencies who are specialists in providing these services and have many years’ experience delivering power and water, including in remote communities.

The transfer is the first step to ensure residents receive the same standard of power and water services as similar sized communities in the State.

For any issues with your power, you need to call your existing on-the-ground service provider. Emergency contact details for each provider is below.

As part of the transfer of responsibility, the cost of power will remain the same. You will continue to purchase your power or pay for it through your current provider.

Existing Bush-light assets continue to be maintained separately by the Commonwealth.

There will be no change to communities supplying their own diesel.

Horizon Power provides essential services for power such as power lines and other infrastructure. Should you require electrical items or repairs for your home, you need to contact Department of Communities if living in a Communities managed house, or a hire an electrical contractor if the premise is privately owned.

To find an approved electrical contractor in your area, visit Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.

If you live in a community that is serviced by Ngaanyatjarra Services (NG Services), Kimberley Regional Service Provider (KRSP), or Pilbara Meta Meya (PMM) you are not billed for your energy directly by Horizon Power. That means you need to apply directly to RevenueWA to get any eligible credit.

The State Government has advised that households which are not billed for their electricity use by Horizon Power, will be eligible for an equivalent credit, except in exceptional circumstances.

Work is currently underway on an application process for households not billed directly by Horizon Power. This work is being completed by the State Government via RevenueWA.

Further information on the process for households not billed by Horizon Power to obtain an equivalent credit is available here.

If you are not billed for your energy directly by Horizon Power, you can still apply for the Household Electricity Credit directly via RevenueWA. 

Applications can be made through the RevenueWA online services portal by selecting the ‘Electricity Credits’ option. Residents will need to set up an account, log in, and submit their property information, electricity account, and bank payment details to apply. 

Alternatively, applications can be made by phoning 1300 368 364 or (08) 9262 1165, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

All applications must be made before 31 March 2024.  

Further information on the process for households not billed by Horizon Power to obtain an equivalent credit is available here. 

Horizon Power will be in contact with relevant communities to arrange when we can visit to discuss and understand the remote communities individual assets and infrastructure.

To make sure we can continue to offer safe and reliable power supplies to all our customers, Horizon Power must approve all rooftop solar system applications before they are installed. This is to ensure they meet our technical requirements and are safely connected. It’s important to speak with an accredited installer before you proceed with your solar energy application and installation.

Your Electrical Contractor is required to notify us and email details of the installation to Horizon Power at remotecommunities@horizonpower.com.au