The Underground Power Program was established in 1996 to improve the standard of electricity supply after a report found that 80% of damage to power lines was caused by falling trees. The Government of Western Australia has a long-term goal to have at least half the houses in Perth supplied by underground power by 2010, with a corresponding improvement in regional areas of the State. About 49% of the metropolitan area is now serviced by underground power. Since the program began, 60 projects have been completed, providing underground distribution systems to over 70,000 properties. The program offers two types of projects:
The Underground Power Program is funded 50% by local governments (through ratepayers who directly benefit), 25% by the State Government and 25% by Western Power. Latest newsRound four Major Residential Projects are currently underway and expected to be completed in 2011/12. The State Government has announced a decision to fund round five of Major Residential Projects from 2010/11. All Western Australian local governments are invited to submit expressions of interest for consideration by the Underground Power Program Committee. Local governments should refer to the guidelines to ensure their expressions of interest proposals are well targeted. The deadline for submission of proposals is 5pm, 19 February 2010. Short-listed projects will be announced in July 2010. The first successful round-five projects are expected to commence in mid 2011. All projects in this round are scheduled to be completed by late 2014. |
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