State Energy Minister Eric Ripper said the government had sought expressions of interest in a pilot project involving five remote Aboriginal communities, Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga, Djarindjin/Lombadina and Warmun, in the Kimberley.

"As it stands, Aboriginal communities do not enjoy the uniform tariff or receive any of the other pensioner, senior or other rebates available to communities supplied by Western Power," Ripper said.

The companies selected to submit proposals include Burns and Roe Worley; Energy Developments; Kimberley Regional Service Providers; PowerCorp Operations and StateWest Power.

"Communities will receive a regulated power supply at standards comparable to mainstream towns of similar size and geographic location, with positive implications for environmental health," said Ripper.

The State Government and the Commonwealth, through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS), would share the cost of upgrading power networks and subsidising power supply in the communities.

It is expected to have the power stations operating by early 2005.