An underground power project in North Perth and Mount Hawthorn is over halfway complete, providing numerous benefits to homes and businesses.
Once complete, this project will deliver underground power to 1,777 customers, removing 615 poles and 18.7 kilometres of overhead cable, and install 437 new LED streetlights.
Western Power Executive Manager of Asset Operations Zane Christmas said underground power provides improved network resilience and supports renewable technologies.
“Underground power reduces the potential for disruptions during extreme weather events like major storms due to fallen power lines or damaged poles, meaning fewer unplanned outages,” he said.
“It also provides greater power supply capacity to support emerging renewable technologies such as electric vehicles through larger cables and additional circuits, helping to deliver on community decarbonisation goals.
“Undergrounding the network also reduces the need for tree pruning around powerlines, lowering maintenance costs and allowing tree canopies to flourish creating more aesthetically pleasing, greener streetscapes.
"Upgrading streetlighting to energy-efficient LEDs reduces emissions and improves lighting, helping to enhance neighbourhood safety.”
The North Perth/Mount Hawthorn project is one of nine undergrounding projects under the Network Renewal Undergrounding Program Pilot (NRUPP) - a program driven by Western Power, targeting areas with a high density of aging overhead distribution assets.
Western Power is working closely with the City of Vincent and City of Stirling to deliver the project.
The project is expected to be completed later this year.