The City is aware that many people living in the more established suburbs of Cockburn would like to get their overhead powerlines converted to underground power. Due to the significant costs involved in replacing overhead powerlines with underground systems, the City supports State Government initiatives such as the State Underground Power Program (SUPP) that partly fund the cost of the works.
State underground power program
The Program is a partnership between the Government of Western Australia, Western Power and local governments. Funding for underground power is shared between the program partners and property owners.
Key objectives of the Program are to:
- improve reliability and security of electricity supply for consumers
- enhance streetscapes and visual amenity
- improve street lighting and community safety; and
- reduce maintenance costs for Western Power.
- The decision to provide funding for underground power through this program rests solely with the State Government, however they have not confirmed any future subsidised underground power funding.
Please note that the State Government only pays a portion of the total cost of the works, with the balance being paid by the City and landowners/ratepayers (see further information below). Due to the significant costs involved, it is imperative that funding is made available to limit the financial burden on landowners.
The City has made it clear to Western Power that we would like to see more underground power rolled out across Cockburn. If Western Power announces the roll out of underground power to any Cockburn suburbs, this page will be updated.
Any future roll out of underground power programs will require support from the majority of the property owners in the impacted area.
Further information