The Retrospective Undergrounding Project (RUP) will replace overhead power lines with underground power infrastructure. The program is a partnership between the City and Western Power to improve the reliability of power supply and provide a safer environment for all.
RUPs are often unsuccessful State Underground Power Project (SUPP) nominations that have been overlooked in the selection process as they contain less than 500 properties (the minimum requirement for a SUPP). In this case, the City nominated this area as a RUP to ensure its community was included in the Underground Power project
The State Underground Power Program (SUPP) is a State Government initiative, which is funded through the Office of Energy and implemented by Western Power and participating local governments.
The SUPP was established in 1996 to improve the reliability of electricity supply after a severe storm in 1994 caused significant disruptions in Perth and southern parts of Western Australia. At the commencement of the SUPP, the City of South Perth’s Council resolved to progress a ‘whole of city’ approach to underground power.
In April 2016, successful projects were announced for Round Six. Three City SUPP projects (the maximum allowed for a local government authority) were approved due to the evaluation process. They included:
• Manning;
• Collier;
• South Perth.
Hurlingham was not eligible for consideration as a SUPP project as the area contained less than 500 properties. Instead, the City nominated this area as a RUP, which has lower qualification requirements, to ensure it would be progressed. The Hurlingham RUP project was approved by Western Power at the same time.
In 2020 Western Power finalised estimates for the South Perth SUPP and the Hurlingham RUP, and determined that by amalgamating these two project areas and delivering the entire project as a RUP, Western Power could apply their net benefit contribution to the whole area, which involves a different assessment process to a typical SUPP.
Combined South Perth / Hurlingham Project Area.
By applying Western Power’s net benefit to a combined South Perth and Hurlingham project area, the project can be delivered at a discounted price. Had the South Perth SUPP proceeded in 2016, the residents of this project area would have contributed 80% towards the costs to underground powerlines.
However, under the combined project, resident contribution will now be 64% of the total cost of the project.
Below are several benefits to underground power:
- Improved street appearance - The removal of poles and wires makes areas more desirable to live in. It also reduces the need for tree pruning and the unsightly foliage deformation that occurs to keep trees clear of overhead wires.
- Improved property values - The removal of poles and power lines improves local streetscapes, which has led to increased property values.
- Increase in tree canopy cover - Tree canopy will increase when trees don’t require harsh pruning from power lines. The absence of poles means more trees can be planted, resulting in greener streets, reduced urban temperatures and lower energy costs.
- Improved security and reliability of power supply - Moving to an underground electrical distribution system will improve the reliability and quality of power supplies. This includes reduced faults and outages caused by storms, trees, wildlife, vandalism and vehicle collisions with poles.
- A safer public environment - The removal of poles and power lines prevents personal safety hazards caused by fallen power lines, pruning near power lines and car accidents involving power poles.
- Improved street lighting - Street lighting will be upgraded to energy efficient LED luminaries as part of the project. Upgraded street lighting can help to prevent crime and improve road safety.
It is not possible for an individual property owner to 'opt-out’ of the project as all overhead distribution power lines will be removed. However, the City has produced a number of payment plans to assist residents.
The results of the 2016 survey indicate that a majority of property owners favour the proposal to install underground power and accept the installation cost. Hurlingham was not surveyed at the time, as it was not a requirement to do so as part of the RUP.
Yes. The Western Power contractor will install a new private underground cable within each property and connect it to the meter box. The property owner becomes the owner of the private underground cable from the point where it leaves the pillar and is responsible for any future repair or relocation.
The consumer main is the cable, located at least 500mm below ground, that connects your green dome and the main switchboard (meter box) on your property. The location of your consumer main will be noted in your meter box by the electrical contractor performing the work. The property owner maintains ownership and responsibility of the consumer main.
Green domes, also known as pillars, are primarily found in areas where there is an underground power supply. They play an important role in delivering electricity to you – it is the point of connection between your property and the main electrical network that runs along your street.
It is the same electrical wiring that runs between the power poles in the street, except being underground. The green dome acts as a protective housing for the electrical wires and forms a connection point for your consumer mains that feed your property.
All properties are checked for the type of existing connection. Where underground connections between the front of the property and the meter box already exist, the charge will be discounted according to the type of connection.
The property owner will still need to contribute to the network infrastructure cost, referred to as the network charge.
There will be a short period of an outage when your property is converted from overhead supply to underground supply. Generally, four to five hours are allowed for the changeover. However, the actual outage time is often much shorter. You will be notified in advance when the changeover outage will be scheduled.
Suppose a registered person has a medical condition requiring a constant power supply residing on your property. In that case, they will be given special consideration when the changeover is programmed. The resident or their carer will be contacted to make arrangements to carry out the changeover without risk to the affected person’s health or welfare.
No. Power will be supplied to the existing meter via underground cable.
The location of the green dome is determined during the design process. Green domes are located in a front corner of the property, just inside the front boundary adjacent to a side boundary. Usually, every second property has a green dome installed, with two adjoining properties being served by the one dome.
As property owners in the South Perth and Hurlingham area, you will be charged as part of the RUP.
Your rate notice will detail your property's exact cost for underground power.
The average cost per property owner will be determined by Council as part of the 2022/23 budget process and will be communicated to you following the Council’s budget endorsement.
Once the costs are finalised, the underground power service charges will be included as part of your Rates Notice sent in early August 2022. This will include payment plans and options.
Yes. Your service charge will be levied in five equal annual instalments and automatically included in your rate notice each year.
Once the costs are finalised, the underground power service charges will be included as part of your Rates Notice sent in early August 2022. This will include payment options.
Pensioners and seniors who currently receive a rebate on their Council rates may be entitled to a rebate against their underground power charge in accordance with the State Government Pensioner and Seniors Rebate Scheme.
Payment options will be detailed on your rate notice. If you are unable to meet these options please contact the City to discuss the matter further (once you receive your Rates Notice).
As with Council rates, the underground power service charge is a charge on the property. Outstanding charges on a property can be recoverable in court in the event that you choose not to pay. This is in accordance with section 6.56 of the Local Government Act 1995.
As with outstanding rates, any amount outstanding (including instalments not levied) for your underground power service charge would be payable on settlement if the property is sold.
Yes, the cost will include a new underground property service cable from the green dome near the front of your property to your meter.
All properties are checked to see if they have a suitable connection. Where connections between the front of the property and the meter box are already wholly or partially underground, the connection fee will be discounted according to the existing connection type.
Not necessarily. Street lighting has been designed according to the current Australian standards. Some new light poles will be positioned considering existing infrastructure and street trees within the road reserve.
Work to remove the old poles and wires will be the last stages of the project. The old poles and wires will be taken away after all properties have been connected to the underground power supply and testing has been completed.
All overhead distribution cables will be removed. All timber power poles except those carrying transmission (high voltage) lines will be removed. Transmission lines will not be underground as part of the RUP Program.
A new LED system will be designed and installed to Australian standards. The poles are designed to collapse if hit by a vehicle to reduce injuries and damage. Compared to conventional street lighting, the new LED system provides enhanced illumination which may appear brighter.
Where possible, the underground cable will be installed using directional underground drills, however in some areas contractors may require open trenching. Any areas disrupted by drills or trenching will be reinstated back to original condition.
For questions related to the timing of the projects, site reinstatement or construction-related activities, please get in touch with Western Power at undergroundpower@westernpower.com.au.
For information about payment and billing, please contact the City on 9474 0777 or email us at enquiries@southperth.wa.gov.au, or submit an online request via the City's website.
