City of Cockburn, PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC, Western Australia, 6965
Telephone: (08) 9411 3444

Underground Power

October 3rd 2011 Update: Location Sites for Coolbellup East - Download to View

The City of Cockburn was successful in having two projects further shortlisted to proceed to the detailed design phase under Round 5 of the State Underground Power Program.  The areas that will be progressed include Hamilton Hill (east) and Coolbellup East.

The City attended a meeting with the State Government in February to discuss the process for completion of the detailed design, likely schedule of works and the development of a final cost for the project.  Round 5 projects are to be delivered between FY 2011/12 and 2014/15.

The City has previously estimated costs of $3,300 per household within these subject areas (not including eligible discounts) for underground power, however once this meeting has taken place the City will be able to provide more detailed information to the community.

The City of Cockburn, the State Government and Western Power will invest 72% of the total cost. Ratepayers will be asked to contribute the remaining 28%, which is approximately $3,300.

Recently as part of Round Five of the State Underground Power Program, the City of Cockburn has been successful in reaching the final stage of the selection process for funding for the installation of underground power in
Hamilton Hill and Coolbellup East.

This Program is highly competitive and the Citys proposals are part of only 20 that were eligible to progress to the final stage out of 89.

The State Underground Power Program Steering Committee is coordinating consultation with the community and will post out a short survey to ratepayers in both areas. The survey will ask for your feedback on whether ratepayers would like underground power installed in their area.

Your feedback will demonstrate either support or opposition to the proposal and will determine whether the project goes ahead or not. 

What are the potential benefits of Underground Power?

  • Improved reliability of power supply
  • Safer power supply no risk of falling power lines and reduced car accidents involving power poles
  • Improved street appearance
  • Removal of poles and power lines has been shown to increase property values.

When would installation happen?

Between 2011-2014

Who will pay?

The City of Cockburn, the State Underground Power Program Steering Committee and Western Power will invest 72% of the total cost. Ratepayers will be asked to contribute the remaining 28%.

How much is 28%?

The cost will be approximately $3,300 per household to the ratepayer. This will pay for underground power in the street and to the property.

If your property already has underground power from the street to your house, there would be an approximate reduction of 15% or $495 per property. The City will also give special consideration to multiple connections on one lot or for owners where transformers or sub-stations are located on their front verge.

Preferred Payment Methods

The State Underground Power Program Steering Committee will be seeking your feedback on what your preferred payment options would be. The City is considering scheduling payments over a three, five or ten year period. The charge would be added to the annual rates bill.

What would happen if I move?

Property owners would be required to pay the debt off at settlement of property.

Will the project go ahead if I do not want to contribute?

The Underground Power Program Steering Committee is responsible for the management of the Program and comprises representatives from the State Underground Power Program Steering Committee, Western Power and the Western Australian Local Government Association.

The survey that you will receive shortly will determine whether there are sufficient levels of support in the community. Sufficient support means that a clear majority of ratepayers who respond, support the undergrounding of power.

The Steering Committee will evaluate these results in conjunction with other criteria, including relative vulnerability of the area due to extreme weather.

If the project is supported by the majority, it will proceed and all will be required to contribute.