Western Power has reached another underground power milestone after the ceremonial removal of the last wooden power pole in Ardross West.
Energy Minister Mike Nahan attended the ceremony and said the transition of Ardross West to underground power had been possible through the State Underground Power Program (SUPP).
Dr Nahan said the project saw the removal of 254 wooden poles and the addition of 153 new street lights.
“The completion of this project represents the 44th consecutive State Underground Power Project (SUPP) to be completed under budget since 2003,” he said.
“This is the City of Melville’s sixth completed underground power project with this project connecting 684 customers at a cost of $6.4million.”
The Minister said the State Government was committed to rolling out an underground power program for Perth suburbs.
Nearly $30million was allocated in the 2013-14 Budget for Round 5 of the SUPP.
“Through the program, $349million has been spent on putting power lines underground and over 80,000 homes have been converted,” Dr Nahan said.
“With 55 per cent of Perth power now underground, the community, State Government, Western Power and local governments continue to show their support and appreciation for the program.”
The benefits of underground power include improved reliability and security of electricity supply for consumers, enhanced streetscapes and visual amenity, reduced street tree maintenance costs for local government, improved street lighting and community safety, reduced maintenance costs for Western Power and increased property value.