The City of Cockburn and Western Power are working together to deliver underground power in selected suburbs. This page explains what the program is, the benefits, when and where works are planned, how costs and concessions apply, and what to expect during construction.
Suburbs included and timing
Underground power is planned for Coolbellup, Hamilton Hill and Spearwood.
| Area |
Estimated start |
Estimated finish |
| Coolbellup |
Second half of 2028 |
Mid 2029 |
| Hamilton Hill |
Early 2028 |
Mid 2030 |
| Spearwood |
Early 2030 |
Mid 2032 |
These timings are indicative and will be confirmed following detailed design and costing. Affected ratepayers will be notified before any work begins.
Benefits of underground power
- Boosted property value: Removing poles and wires, combined with upgraded street lighting, has been shown to lift property values.
- More reliable power: Underground systems reduce outages from storms, falling trees, wildlife, vandalism, equipment faults, and car accidents.
- Better-looking streets: Without overhead lines, streets feel cleaner and more open — with room for bigger, healthier trees.
- Smarter street lighting: All lighting will be upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs, improving safety, visibility, and crime prevention.
- Future-ready power: Designed to meet growing demand and support emerging technologies like electric vehicles.
- Less tree pruning: No wires means less trimming, lower maintenance costs, and flourishing canopies.
- Safer public spaces: Fewer poles reduce vehicle collisions and eliminate the risk of downed power lines during storms.
- Cooler, greener suburbs: Expanded tree canopies lower urban heat and reduce household energy costs.
How costs are shared
The cost of undergrounding power is shared between: the State Government, Western Power, the City of Cockburn, and local landowners.
- Residential properties contribute to both the network costs and connection from the street to the property.
- Vacant land pays a reduced amount as no property connection is required.
- Properties already connected underground are charged only for network costs.
- Department of Housing pays for its own properties (with no concessions).
Pensioners and Seniors are eligible for the same rebates and deferments that apply to Council rates. Payment can usually be made in instalments, or upfront with a discount if offered.
Project rollout and what to expect
Works are carried out in five stages:
- Connection between the street and each property
- Installation of cables along the verge
- Changeover from overhead to underground supply
- Removal of old poles and wires
- Installation of new LED streetlights.
During construction, residents can expect some disruption. Driveways, verges and gardens may be disturbed but will be reinstated. Short outages are required during the switchover, and residents with medical needs for constant power will be given special arrangements. Contractors work within normal hours, but dust, noise, and temporary traffic changes may occur.
All verges are recorded before work starts to ensure reinstatement, and residents will be notified before each stage begins.
Streetlights
New LED streetlights will be installed as part of the project. They may look different from older systems, but they provide brighter, more efficient lighting and meet the latest Australian Standards.
Once installed, they will be owned and maintained by Western Power.
State Underground Power Program
The project is part of the State Underground Power Program, a partnership between the WA Government, Western Power, and local governments.
The program’s objectives are to:
- Improve electricity reliability and safety
- Enhance local streetscapes and amenity
- Provide better street lighting
- Reduce long-term maintenance costs for Western Power
- Future projects will only proceed with the majority support of affected property owners.
Frequently asked questions