Underground network expands in Perth
Perth’s underground-powered network continues to expand, with the completion of an $8.15 million project in the City of Canning’s Shelley East precinct.
As part of the WA Government’s Retrospective Underground Program, the City of Canning partnered with Western Power to extend the benefits of underground power to more Shelley ratepayers. These benefits include enhanced streetscape aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs and improved power reliability and community safety.
Following the completion of the Shelley West underground project in 2021, the City committed to provide underground power to Shelly East, including services such as streetlighting and property connections.
The Shelley East project delivers underground power via 17 kilometres of electrical cables to 814 customers. It involved the removal of 234 poles and the installation of 203 LED streetlights.
“Western Power continues to work with local government areas to convert overhead powerlines to underground connectivity throughout the network where possible,” said Energy Minister Bill Johnston.
“We know underground power provides many benefits: from improved power reliability and better streetscapes to a safer environment with brighter LED streetlights improving visibility.
“Importantly, it’s an essential part of preparing the network for electrification and greater integration of renewable energy,” Johnston added.
“It caters better for future power demand and provides enhanced capacity for increasing the uptake of rooftop solar and other emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles.”
The City of Canning and the Town of Victoria Park have portions of St James, Bentley and East Victoria Park suburbs under construction through Western Power’s Network Renewal Undergrounding Program Pilot. This targets areas with a high density of aging overhead assets and is due for completion later this year.
For more information, visit: https://www.westernpower.com.au/community/work-in-your-area/underground-power.
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