Changing to underground power

Western Power can convert your overhead service cable (the line from the power pole in the street to your house) to an underground pole to pillar connection.

You may wish to check whether your suburb or area has been included in the Underground Power Program. This is when whole suburbs are converted to underground power.

Or you and your neighbours may wish to form a neighbourhood collective to start an undergrounding project in your street or area.

Pole to pillar connections

A pole to pillar connection consists of an underground cable from the pole in the street to a pillar just inside the front boundary of your property. They:

are more secure than overhead service cables in bad weather
remove the hassle of pruning trees near your service cable and
improve the appearance of your property

Pole to pillar connections are compulsory for all new connections in an overhead area. For example, if you are demolishing and rebuilding, building on a vacant lot, subdividing the property or upgrading your supply.

One pillar is normally shared between two properties unless there is more than one dwelling on the property.

How much will it cost?

Western Power charges a subsidised rate of $750 per dwelling for a pole to pillar connection. The subsidised rate will not apply if:

you are building more than three dwellings
you want the pillar placed in a non-standard position
the connection is commercial or industrial

Added to this will be your electrical contractor's costs to run an underground cable from the pillar to the meter box.

How do I apply?

For a residential pole to pillar connection, please complete a Domestic Underground Supply Application.
For a commercial or industrial pole to pillar connection, please complete a Design and Quotation Application form.

Any questions? Call 13 10 87 or make an online enquiry.