Underground power enhances local communities:

Above - this image shows the visual transformation that underground power creates - put your cursor over the image to see the transformation.

Since the 1980s, Western Australia has been replacing the state's overhead power lines with underground power to reduce the risk of such problems as lightning strikes and bushfires. In underground distribution systems, each conductor is covered in electrical insulation and then grouped in sets as a single covered cable. This cable is laid underground at a safe depth at the particular section of the street verge which has been allocated for this service.

Through the State Underground Power Project, it is expected about 50 per cent of the Perth metropolitan area will have underground power by 2010. Underground power will replace the overhead lines and this will significantly enhance the appearance of communities. Underground power obviously looks a lot better than overhead lines. There is less chance of power supplies being disrupted during storms. There is also no danger of live lines brought down by falling trees or branches. Home owners are able to grow a wider variety of trees as there are no overhead lines to be interfered with.

Unfortunately, it is far more costly to install underground power than overhead lines. Western Power is helping to connect underground power to new developments as well as older communities in WA. Power supplies to 54,000 electricity meters are now underground, as a result of the State Underground Power Project. Western Power is committed to working with the State Government to deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity.

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