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Subdividing

Any application to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), for a change to an existing title, is subject to assessment from Western Power. This is based on our Distribution Subdivision Policy and includes changes such as merging of lots, the creation of new lots or the relocation of boundaries.


1. Application referral from WAPC

Once your application has been submitted to the WAPC (Form 1A) a copy is referred to Western Power for comment.

Each application is assessed on an individual basis, based on the information supplied on the proposed changes. This is a desktop assessment of the application in which conditions are recommended for works that may be applicable.

WAPC then issue either conditional approval or refusal of approval.

2 - Satisfying Western Power conditions

Once approval has been granted, you can request a quotation for works to satisfy financial requirements. It is important at this stage that you complete the correct forms and advise us of the WAPC number, so that you are quoted for all the works required.

With most applications, if you are creating new lots you need to provide underground power connections for each lot.

We may also need you to remove/relocate Western Power assets, register easements, transfer land, remove existing overhead supplies or install a site main switch board (MSB).
Depending on the type of work required a quotation or an estimate will be issued. Care should be taken to read the notes and accompanying documentation concerning the scope of work that is covered by Western Power and any additional work required by you (internal works).

Type of subdivision How to apply Costs and information
Residential or Commercial

One to three freehold title or strata lots

Residential: Domestic Underground Supply Application form

Commercial: Design and Quotation Application form

  • Design by Western Power
  • Costs will be quoted
  • Residential may be eligible for subsidised rate
  • Commercial will be based on a minimum power supply of 200kVA per hectare, or 63 Amps (three-phase, whichever is greater).
Four freehold and four or more strata lots Residential or Commercial: Design and Quotation Application form
  • Design by Western Power
  • Costs will be quoted
  • Residential may be eligible for subsidised rate
  • Commercial will be based on a minimum power supply of 200kVA per hectare, or 63 Amps (three-phase, whichever is greater).
5 or more freehold title lots
Residential & Commercial
 N/A
  • Design by developer's consultant to Western Power specifications
Residential/Rural (where each new lot created is 2500m2 or more)
one to four freehold or all strata lots Design and Quotation Application form
  • Western Power will design the installation
  • Not eligible for subsidised rates
5 or more freehold lots N/A
  • Design by developer's consultant to Western Power specifications
Relocation/Removal of Western Power assets
As advised by Western Power Relocation of assets form


An electrical contractor/consultant may need to be engaged to complete a 'Design and Quotation Application' form.

3 - Obtaining clearance of conditions

A clearance request form must be completed. The guidelines should be read and all appropriate documentation submitted with the request form.

Please download the Request for clearance form (PDF 132kb)

Initial submissions are free of charge, but if clearance requests are refused a $115 resubmission fee is incurred.

Common reasons for refusals are:

  • Copy of completion notice or number are not supplied for overhead removals and MSB installations
  • Demolition licence not supplied
  • Service easements not in place on Strata plans
  • Connections for all lots being created are not paid for

General information about subdividing

  • Underground connections (to pillars) are compulsory in both overhead and underground areas - unless the lots you are creating are bigger than 50 hectares.
  • All existing overhead services must be removed and converted to underground
  • There are guidelines to determine how power must be provided to a Western Power approved subdivision, according to its size, location and the surrounding infrastructure. Please refer to the Underground Distribution Scheme Manual (PDF 2mb) for details.
  • Transmission easements must be registered with Land Management Services as soon as possible, for further information please call 13 10 87 or email land.management.group@westernpower.com.au

Western Power standard supply

Western Power defines standard supply at 240 V single-phase or 440 V three-phase as:

  • 63 Amps single-phase (urban areas)
  • 32 Amps single-phase (rural areas and towns)
  • a maximum consumer mains size of 35mm2

Costs

The cost to provide electrical infrastructure may vary if:

  • Lots are not eligible for the subsidised residential connection fee – link to residential page (how much will it cost section)
  • An extension of the network is required to reach the subdivision
  • The supply is required in an unserviced area
  • You are building a larger-than-average home, or will run heavy duty or three-phase equipment

Reconsideration of conditions

Reconsideration requests can be made to Western Power if you feel a condition has been unfairly placed on your application. Please submit a formal letter outlining your concerns, extenuating circumstances or issues for our consideration. Western Power will take into account all the information provided and respond with comments in a timely manner. Please visit the Contact us page for more information.

Contact details

Related information

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Page update on 8 March 2010