Western Power has begun a trial in targeted areas of the network aimed at increasing network resilience, enhancing safety and reducing bushfire risk.
The trial will determine the feasibility of a new type of covered high voltage (HV) conductor - a powerline covered with an insulating material.
Executive Manager of Asset Management, Gair Landsborough, said the conductor is expected to reduce bushfire risk, protect wildlife from electrical infrastructure, and improve the resilience and safety of the overhead assets.
“Using covered HV conductors reduces bushfire risk and helps to minimise the impact of vegetation and wildlife coming into contact with the network,” Mr Landsborough said.
“Installing covered HV conductor is expected to increase the resilience of the network against weather events, reducing the number of unplanned outages and enhancing reliability for homes and businesses.
“A small-scale pilot project was successfully completed in late 2025 on a two-kilometre section of the network in Yanchep, paving the way for a large-scale trial in Parkerville,” Mr Landsborough said.
“Through this trial we’ll convert 16 kilometres of HV powerlines in Parkerville to covered conductor.
“We’re also converting 14 kilometres of low voltage (LV) bare conductor to LV aerial bundle cable improving reliability and helping reduce bushfire risk.
“When the trial’s complete, the entire Parkerville network will be converted to covered conductor - a first for the Western Power network.”
Installation of the covered conductor is expected to commence in Parkerville in mid-2026.