1888

• The first electric lights are installed in Mr C. J. Otte's premises next to the Criterion Hotel, Howick Street (later Hay), Perth.
  Google Earth - Criterion Hotel

• Mr Otte’s WA Electric Light and Power Company provides electricity to the Government House Ballroom.
  Google Earth - Government House Ballroom

1891

• On the evening of 4 December, the first electric connection is made and the lights are switched on at the Legislative Assembly Chambers, Howick  (later Hay) Street. The Criterion Hotel becomes the first commercial electricity customer in Western Australia.
  
  
• Colonial Gas Association of Victoria establishes a gas-producing plant in Albany, Western Australia.

1892

• The WA Electric Light and Power Company installs the first electric streetlight in Perth.

1893

• The Perth Gas Company Act is expanded to supply electric light and power to Perth ratepayers.

1894

• The Perth Gas Company produces the first electricity at 110 volts direct current from its "North Side" power station in Wellington Street. It is called Station "O".
  
  
• There are 107 electric lamps installed and lit at the Perth Town Hall for the first performance of Manning's Opera Company on 21 March. By 30 June, there are 22 customers drawing electricity from the Perth Gas Company, including Wigg & Son, the Town Hall and Wesley Church.

1895

• The Colonial Gas Association obtains a concession from the Geraldton Council to supply gas to the town.

1896

• Due to an increase in the number of customers requiring electricity, the Perth Gas Company constructs another power station near the West Perth Railway Station.

• The Kalgoorlie Progress Committee appoints a private company to install generating plant that it has acquired from the Perth Gas Company for street lighting.  

1897

• The Kalgoorlie Municipal Council takes over the electricity supply for street lighting and builds a small power station on the corner of Cassidy and Brookman Streets.
  Google Earth - Kalgoorlie Municipal Council

• The Kalgoorlie Electric Power and Lighting Corporation is established to supply the gold mining industry, Kalgoorlie Roads Board and Kalgoorlie Electric Tramways.

• Perth Gas Company constructs another power station between Murray and Wellington Streets called Station "1" or "Southside" Power Station.

1898

• Electric lighting is in­troduced to Fremantle and Midland.

1899

• On 28 September, the Perth Electric Tramways Ltd commences operations from a Car Barn in Hay Street, East Perth. The tramlines extend for three miles from the Car Barn to Thomas Street in West Perth. A spur line runs down the residential area in Colin Street, West Perth.

Next Section >> 1900 - 1912.

^ back to top ^