Transformer noise 'too costly to fix'
Western Power has been given approval for thousands of its suburban electricity transformers to breach noise regulations over concerns the $270 million cost of fixing the problem was unjustifiable.
The Environmental Protection Authority found even though up to 4000 of the utility's pad-mounted and overhead transformers were too noisy, they had negligible effects on the community.
The transformers are a common sight across Perth and towns in the south-west grid, emitting a low humming sound and often close to households.
The EPA said the noisiest transformers were typically the oldest ones, although noted it was technically difficult to eliminate all noise from installations.
It said apart from "isolated cases", the noise emitted did not materially affect people's lives and where it did, precautions could be put in place.
Under recommendations to go to Environment Minister Albert Jacob, the EPA said exempting Western Power from the relevant regulations was "appropriate".
"Electrical distribution transformers are relatively small transformers - either pad-mount or pole-mounted units - sited in suburban areas to provide power for local areas of typically 100 houses," the EPA said.
"Although not very noisy, they are often non-compliant with the noise regulations on the boundary with neighbouring residences, due to their proximity to houses.
"Western Power estimates there are over 10,000 electrical distribution transformers spread over the metropolitan suburbs and up to 4000 of these units may be non-compliant with the prescribed noise standard.
"It is estimated by Western Power that achieving full compliance for these transformers would cost the Government up to $270 million, which is considered neither a sustainable nor justifiable investment."
The EPA said "non-compliance" usually occurred at night, but affected areas such as backyards, front yards and garages, were less sensitive to it.
