Embalgun Community Faces Power Struggles
The Aboriginal community of Embalgun, nestled in Western Australia's far north, grapples with a precarious power situation. Despite breathtaking views of Pender Bay, its 25 residents endure an unreliable electricity supply, forcing them to rely on expensive and hazardous generators.
Community leader William Smith shoulders the burden of powering his home with a generator, spending nearly his entire fortnightly pension on diesel fuel. Even then, power is limited to nighttime hours to conserve fuel, leaving appliances vulnerable to damage and plunging the community into darkness during the day.
The financial strain is immense, with Mr. Smith shelling out $2,000 monthly for diesel, a cost exacerbated by the remote location's high fuel prices. The constant struggle to afford fuel leaves the community vulnerable to power outages, further disrupting their daily lives.
Adding to the danger, Mr. Smith resorts to using a network of extension cords snaking through the community, posing a significant electrocution risk to children and residents. This precarious situation highlights the neglect Embalgun faced under the previous management of essential services.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged on July 1, 2023, when state utilities Horizon Power and the Water Corporation took over. A $200 million investment promises infrastructure upgrades for remote communities, including Embalgun.
Horizon Power has prioritized improving Embalgun's power supply, focusing on the switchboard and addressing issues behind the meter. Long-term plans include installing solar power and batteries, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Recognizing the safety concerns associated with extension cords, Horizon Power is launching safety campaigns to educate communities about the risks and promote safer alternatives. With additional staff and contractors, the utility is committed to assessing and addressing the power needs of all remote communities.
While the path to a reliable and safe power supply remains long, Embalgun residents can find solace in the knowledge that their plight is finally being acknowledged and addressed. The community eagerly awaits the day when power is no longer a luxury but a readily available necessity, paving the way for a brighter future.