Works have begun on the Western Australian Government’s Underground Power Program, which sees the removal of overhead powerlines and the installation of 8.85km of underground cabling in Bicton.
The project will deliver underground power to another 780 properties in the northern part of Bicton.
WA Energy Minister Mike Nahan said the North Bicton project was one of 86 across Western Australia that had buried the electricity supply network to more than 86,000 homes.
“The State Underground Power Program continues to make a real difference for WA communities, and I commend the City of Melville for its enthusiastic involvement in the program,” Dr Nahan said.
“The State Government, the City of Melville, Western Power and local ratepayers have contributed $8.5million to enable the delivery of underground power to another 780 properties.
“Underground power improves the reliability and safety of electricity supplies and enhances the streetscape of local communities.
“Households and local governments also save on the cost of tree trimming which is necessary at this time of the year to prevent branches damaging powerlines, causing hazards and interruptions during storms.”
Dr Nahan said these works were expected to be completed in September 2017.
The program is jointly funded by the State Government, local governments and Western Power, and administered by the Department of Finance, Public Utilities Office.
