The State Government has launched the Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP), which will allow up to 50,000 homes and businesses to transition from poles and wires.
The four-year program will initially focus on 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.
Underground power benefits residents with safer electricity, improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced streetscapes and visual amenity.
The TUPP is funded by Western Power and relevant local government authorities; with the State Government's tiered funding based on socio-economic indicators to ensure all areas can benefit.
The new program was officially launched in the City of Stirling today, which has been involved in Western Power's State Underground Power Program since it began in 1996.
It also will increase Western Power's capacity for undergrounding - from an average of 4,000 properties a year to 12,000 properties a year across the first four years.
For more information, visit https://www.westernpower.com.au/community/work-in-your-area/underground-power/
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"Underground power is safer, more reliable and costs less to maintain, which means 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.
"Western Power is also replacing traditional streetlights with new energy saving LED lighting and ensuring the network is more resilient to extreme weather events."
As stated by Balcatta MLA David Michael:
"I'm pleased the McGowan Government is making underground power more affordable and improving reliability for the network through these projects.
"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.
"Western Power has now completed seven underground power projects in the City of Stirling."
