1937

• The new Western Australian Electricity Act is passed and the Electricity Advisory Committee is formed.
  
  
• East Perth Power Station extensions are completed.

1938

• East Perth "B" Station comes on load with a 25MW generating unit. The power station is capable of generating 36MW. However, the maximum load requirement is only 26 MW.

• On 3 November, the members of the Electricity Advisory Committee, Messrs. F. Shaw, W.H. Taylor and F. C. Edmondson are appointed as a Royal Commission to investigate the establishment of the South West Power Scheme.

1939

• On 20 January the Duke of Devonshire, using a radio link between Perth and London, officially opens East Perth "‘B" Station.

1940

• The Royal Commission completes its investigation and rejects the proposed South West Power Scheme.
  
  
• The new Boulder Power Station in Hamilton Street is officially opened.

1941

• The State Government announces a proposal to build a new power station in the South West.

1942

• The State Government commences planning the South Fremantle Power Station.

1943

• The State Government asks the Electricity Advisory Committee to undertake a further broader inquiry into the proposed South West Power Scheme. Mr R.J. Dumas (1887-1975) is appointed Chairman.
  
  
• No. 2 Carburetted Water Gas plant is installed at East Perth Gas Works in October.

• In November, Mr V.J.F. Brain, Chief Electrical Engineer of the New South Wales Public Works Department is asked to advise on the feasibility of converting the power generated at the East Perth Power Station from 40 to 50 cycles.
  
  
• In December, Mr Brain submits his report and recommends the immediate conversion to 50 cycles at 254 volts.

1944

• The State Government approaches the Commonwealth Government for financial assistance to undertake the 50 cycle conversion.
  
  
• In August, the Commonwealth Government agrees to pay half the cost of the conversion, up to a maximum of $600,000.

1945

• In February, the Electricity Advisory Committee completes its Report and strongly recommends the development of the South West Power Scheme. Electricity Commission (SEC) is created.

• On 28 February, the contract between the Western Australian Government Electricity Supply and Metropolitan -Vickers Electrical Export Co., Ltd. is signed for the supply of the first and second 25MW turbo-alternators and condensing plant for South Fremantle Power Station.
  
  
• Legislation for the establishment of the State Electricity Commission is introduced into the Western Australian Parliament.
  
  
• In December, work commences on the construction of the South Fremantle Power Station.
  Google Earth - South Fremantle Power Station

1946

• On 14 February, the State Electricity Commission Act No. 60 of 1945 receives assent.
  
  
• The State Electricity Commission is formed on 20 March and Mr R.J. Dumas is appointed Chairman and Mr F.C. Edmondson is appointed Deputy Chairman.

• On 11 April, the Commission’s inaugural meeting is held at Pastoral House, 156 St. George’s Terrace, Perth.
  
  
• On 23 May, East Perth Power Station’s No. 6 generator fails, reducing available power from 37MW to 18MW.

• The State Electricity Commission commences operations with all electricity matters being officially transferred from the Railway Department. Mr W.H. Taylor is appointed General Manager Metropolitan Systems.

• On 10 October, the Commission occupies new premises in London House, Murray Street, Perth.
  
  
• At midnight on 11/12 October the Collie Power Station is compulsorily acquired. This power station becomes the first unit of the South West Power Scheme.
  Google Earth - Collie Power Station

1947

• In June, No 1 generator at East Perth Power Station disintegrates, sending pieces of metal through the roof and walls. One piece hits the Bunbury Railway Bridge, 500 metres away. The outcome is a further reduction in the available power supply for Perth.
  

• Heavy power restrictions are introduced into the Perth metropolitan area. Customers are now only receiving 25% of their minimum requirements.

Next Section >> 1948 - 1957.

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