1900

• On Tuesday evening, 27 November 1900, the Claremont Electric Lighting Company's power station in Gugeri Street commenced operations with the supply of direct current electricity to ratepayers.

1901

• Splatt, Wall and Company obtains the lighting concession to supply Northam from a small generating station located at the rear of the Town Hall. Direct Current electricity is switched on into the mains on 1 October making Northam the first country town to receive electricity after the Goldfields.
  Google Earth - Northam

• Mr J.M. Speed, MLC, urges the Western Australian Parliament to use Collie coal to generate electric power for transmission to the Goldfields. The scheme is rejected, as ridiculous and it will be another 80 years before Mr Speed's vision materialises.

1902

• Splatt, Wall and Company constructs the Bunbury Power Station at the intersection of Wittenoom and Princep Streets.

• The Wallsend Mine supplies the first electric lighting to Collie.

• On May 19, the first electric light pole was erected at the corner of Newcastle and Helena Streets, Midland Junction. The occasion was marked with a ceremony at the Council Club Hotel.

• At 8 pm on Saturday 4 October, the Mayoress, Mrs Elgee switched on the lighting at the Midland Junction Power Station located at the rear of the Council Chambers.

• Perth Tramways extended to Highgate.

1903

• The Northam Council acquires the electricity supply system from Splatt, Wall and Company.

• A Referendum is held in Fremantle and East Fremantle on 28 August to determine whether electricity should be supplied. The results were, Fremantle Yes-461 and No-336, East Fremantle Yes-187 and No-92. Legislation was introduced into State Parliament and passed, enabling electricity to be supplied to East Fremantle and Fremantle ratepayers.
  
  
• Subiaco Municipal Council electricity plant established on land leased from the Railway Department near St John of God Hospital. Direct current electricity is supplied for both power and lighting.

1904

• On 20 June the Fremantle Municipal Tramways and Electric Lighting Board holds its first meeting.
  
  
• Katanning Electric Light and Power Act (Private) is passed to allow the erection of poles in local streets and the distribution of electricity to customers. The power plant is located in the Katanning Flour Mill.
  Google Earth - Katanning

1905

• Mr D. Curle-Smith who developed and patented an electric stove introduces electric cooking to Kalgoorlie.
  
  
• On 30 October, the Fremantle Municipal Tramways and the Electric Lighting Board Power House is officially opened with the first tramcar commencing operations from the Car Barn in High Street, Fremantle, near the Round House.

1906

• The Perth City Council approaches the Perth Gas Company to determine the cost of acquiring the Company’s undertakings.
  
  
• On 19 June, the Mayoress, Mrs P. J. Hevron, switched on light and power in North Fremantle.

1907

• The Albany Power House is constructed in Peel's Place to distribute 220 volts direct current.
  
  
• On 1 May the new Northam Power Station is commissioned in Glebe Street on the banks of the Avon River.
  Google Earth - Northam

1908

• After strengthening the Fremantle Road Bridge, the Fremantle Tramway was extended to North Fremantle.

1910

• On July 21, Perth Electric Tramways employees went on strike seeking a pay rise from 10d to 1/- per hour and a 96 hour fortnight.

1912

• The Perth City Council assumes control of the Perth Gas Company and acquires its three power stations in Wellington Street, Marquis Street and Maylands.

• The Perth Electric Tramways Limited route extends from Perth to North Perth, Leederville, Subiaco, Mt. Lawley, Victoria Park, Nedlands and Osborne Park.

• The West Australian Government receives a Report from Charles Merz (1874-1940), senior partner of consulting electrical engineers Merz and McLellan of London. The Report recommends the establishment of a single 12MW, 50-cycle power station in East Perth.
  
  
• The State Government nationalises the Perth Electric Tramways.

• A carburetted water gas plant is installed at the Moore Street Gas Works.

Next Section >> 1913 - 1924.

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