The City of Stirling has announced the completion of a $20 million project expanding Perth’s underground power network, improving streetscapes and increasing reliability for residents and businesses.
Part of Western Power’s underground power program is the Network Renewal Undergrounding Program (NRUPP); the project removed 493 poles and 23km of overhead cable and installed 354 new streetlights and 53km of underground cable.
Residents and businesses in the area will now enjoy improved safety and reliability, as well as enhanced streetscapes.
Western Power worked with the City of Stirling to deliver the project, providing underground power to 2,244 residents and businesses that will reduce maintenance and operational costs.
The project is the fourth of nine undergrounding projects to be completed under the NRUPP.
More than 65 per cent of properties on Western Australia’s main electricity grid – the South West Interconnected System – have converted to underground power, with 100,000 properties resulting from the State Underground Power Program.
The cost of undergrounding is shared between Western Power, local governments, and property owners.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said that he was pleased to see this latest undergrounding work be completed in Scarborough.
“The investment in underground power by Western Power and local governments provides a multitude of benefits from improved power reliability and better streetscapes to a safer environment with brighter LED streetlights improving visibility,” Mr Johnston said.
“Importantly, it’s an essential part of preparing the network for electrification and greater integration of renewable energy, helping us to deliver on the Western Australian Government’s goal of net zero by 2050.”
Scarborough MLA, Stuart Aubrey, said that he was thrilled to see the removal of overhead power poles from Scarborough.
“This project highlights the Government’s commitment to improving network reliability and reduced operational and maintenance costs for local governments and residents.”
