The main benefits of underground power are:
Underground power is significantly more reliable than overhead power. However, it does not eliminate power interruptions altogether. Underground cables and equipment can develop faults or be damaged, or there may be a fault on an overhead section of the network which feeds the underground area.
The cost of underground conversion through the Underground Power Program is shared between the State Government, Western Power and the local council. In most cases, the State Government and Western Power each contribute 25%, and the Local Council 50%. Local Councils usually raise their portion through a ratepayers' levy. If your area is going to be converted to underground power, your local council will let you know the cost.
The average cost per lot varies, depending on the average width of lots, average amount of electricity consumed and ground conditions. Areas with rocky ground can be more expensive to underground.
When an area is converted to underground power, new street lights are installed. The design of the light poles is generally chosen by the local council and may be decorative or in a colour to suit the streetscape. These lights are designed to meet the current Australian Standard as closely as possible. This is not always possible where large street trees exist or where driveways prevent us from spacing light poles exactly according to the standard.
Accidents between cars and power poles are quite frequent. With underground power there are no wooden distribution poles in the street. There are, of course, street light poles, however these are not rigid and are designed to collapse on impact, so are much safer.
Page update on 11 October 2006
