West Kimberley ratepayers set to benefit from Derby Horizon Power solar farm

Rate payers in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley are set to benefit from a Horizon Power initiative which will see a solar farm constructed near the Derby Airport. The state-owned electricity service and infrastructure provider approached the Shire with a proposal to supply and install the farm, with energy generated to be credited against the Shire’s electricity bill. It’s unclear the rate at which the energy would be purchased back, however Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa said the project was expected to credit the Shire more than $120,000 per year. Normally the commercial lessee would meet the cost of installation, however in their proposal Horizon Power has said it would supply the lease documents and all of the equipment at no costs to the shire. Ongoing maintenance, operating and insurance costs over the 20 year lease would also be borne by Horizon Power. Two possible sites, both located within the Derby Airport precinct, have been put forward by Horizon Power, with Shire councillors unanimously voting in favour of the project. Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa said it was an obvious decision to approve the project. “This will save our ratepayers money through a lesser Shire energy bill,” he said. “With Horizon covering most costs for the project it’s really all positives for us. “It will also see the Shire move more towards renewable energy.”