Energy Minister Peter Collier has invited local councils to submit proposals to replace overhead powerlines in their communities with underground power.
Announcing round five of the Underground Power Program, Mr Collier said retrofitting overhead powerlines improved the standard of electricity supply to customers, enhanced local streetscapes and increased property values.
“These benefits flow through to residents, local governments and the broader community,” he said.
“About 60 projects have been completed State-wide since the program was introduced in 1996, providing a more reliable electricity supply to at least 70,000 properties.”
The Minister said the program’s costs would be shared between local government and the State Government, contributing 25 per cent through the Office and Energy and 25 per cent through Western Power.
“The program will be introduced in areas where there is a clear majority of support from landowners, who will be surveyed by local councils as evidence of support,” he said.
Guidelines, an application template and additional information for round five proposals are available on the Office of Energy (OOE) website http://www.energy.wa.gov.au, with applications to be submitted by 5pm on Friday, February 19, 2010.
The shortlisted projects will be announced in July and the first successful projects are expected to start in mid-2011.
All local government enquiries should be directed to the Underground Power Program executive officer on 9420 5679.
Mr Collier said the OOE would carry out a major public review of the program.
He said the review would investigate costs for future rounds of the program, identify priorities for undergrounding of power with respect to extreme weather events, and improve the equity and affordability of the program.
“The office is preparing detailed draft terms of reference for the full public review,” the Minister said.
Minister's office - 9213 7150