Up to 50,000 homes and businesses will be able to switch from poles and wires thanks to the Western Australian (WA) Government‘s Targeted Underground Power Program.
The Town of Victoria Park, City of Vincent, City of Stirling, City of Bayswater, Town of Bassendean, City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring, City of Canning, City of Fremantle, City of Melville, City of Rockingham, and City of Mandurah will initially be the focus of the four-year program.
According to the State Government, residents benefit from underground power‘s safer electricity, more dependability, lower maintenance costs, improved streetscapes, and improved visual appeal.
Minister for Energy Bill Johnston said underground power is safer, more reliable, and less expensive to maintain, so property owners pay less.
“The McGowan Labor Government recognises these benefits, with the new program significantly improving on the efficiency of Western Power’s previous State Underground Power Program,” Minister Johnston stated.
In addition, Minister Johnston added that Western Power is replacing traditional streetlights with new energy-saving LED lighting, making the network more resilient to adverse weather occurrences.
Western Power and appropriate local government bodies fund the Targeted Underground Power Program, with the State Government providing tiered funding based on socioeconomic indices to guarantee that all areas benefit.
The new program was officially launched today in Stirling, which has been a participant in Western Power’s State Underground Power Program since 1996.
It will also enhance Western Power’s capacity for undergrounding from 4,000 homes per year to 12,000 properties per year over the first four years.
Balcatta MLA David Michael said he’s glad that the McGowan government is making subterranean power cheaper and enhancing network stability through these initiatives.
“Local residents will soon enjoy improved streetscapes with the removal of overhead powerlines, and more attractive tree canopy growth reducing the heat island effect of urban infill,” Michael stated.
He added that Western Power has now finished seven underground power projects in Stirling.
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