The City has received estimated costs from Western Power. These estimates have been developed within a range of plus or minus 30% and are as follows;

• The total cost per meter for Project 235 is estimated as between $1,768.20 and $3,283.80
• The total cost per meter for Project 317 is estimated as between $3,916.50 and $7,273.50

The actual cost per property will be adjusted based on the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of the property compared to the average GRV of the area, or if endorsed by Council any other methodology as described.

If Council decides to proceed with the project, the service charge will be determined by Council after Council receives a detailed cost estimate.

For more information about Gross Rental Value (GRV), please visit the Landgate website.

Western Power and the State Government are heavily subsidising this initiative. The reason that property owners contribute to underground power projects is because there are connections from your house to the network infrastructure which is considered privately owned as it is within private property. Property owners also contribute to the additional cost of installing the underground network infrastructure which allows the full benefits of underground power in an area to be realised.

Dependant on confirmed construction dates and approval by Council, the service charge may appear on your future rate notice possibly 2026/2027 or later.

The cost for each project is determined based on a number of factors such as population density, network load requirements, topography and ground conditions. Significant differences for Project 317 and Project 235 include:

State Government Funding
The State Government’s funding is currently based on socio-economic indicators. Under this system, there are four bands of State Government funding, each representing different percentage (%) contributions that the State Government makes to the project. The Project 317 boundary is categorised under a different band than the Project 235 boundary and is subject to less State Government Contribution for the TUPP. This is reflected in the estimated service charges.

Industrial Zoned Properties
The Project 317 boundary contains a higher proportion of industrial zoned properties than the Project 235 boundary. This means there are more higher voltage powerlines that will be under-grounded, leading to higher project costs. This is reflected in the current estimated service charges.

As the industrial properties will have a higher GRV compared to residential zoned properties, the industrial properties will have to pay a higher proportion of the project costs than residential properties.

If Council approves an extended payment option and it is chosen as your preferred payment option, your service charge will be divided into equal instalments payable annually over the extent of the payment option number of years approved by Council.

Yes, most of the cost of undergrounding power comes from laying new underground cables in the streets and installing new street lighting. Properties that have an existing underground cable from the street network to their property (via a green dome) will need to contribute to the overall cost of the project. The Council may consider offering a discounted service charge for these properties, but this may not fully cover the original cost of installing the underground cable.

An interest rate has not yet been determined for an extended payment option, however it is likely that an interest rate would be applied to cover administrative costs and the interest that the City would be required to pay on money borrowed to meet its financial contributions obligations to the project. No interest would be charged if the service charge is paid in full.

As with rates notices, interest will be charged if payment is not received on the invoice due date.

The property owner at the time of the charge will be liable to pay. Any unpaid amounts must be paid by the original owner at settlement

State Government legislation and funding provides eligible pensioners that have a Pension card or Commonwealth Health card accompanied with a WA Seniors card a rebate of up to 50% for their underground power if they pay the full charge by 30 June of the current financial year. If the account is not paid in full by 30 June of the current financial year, then the State Government will not pay the rebate.

This legislation also prohibits any interest or administration charges to eligible pensioners or seniors - no interest charge is applied to eligible pensioners or seniors.

Ratepayers who are eligible Pensioners are entitled to defer the payment of the underground power charge in the same way they defer rates. The deferred amount will be charged in full, no rebate will be applied and the deferred amount becomes due and payable in full at the time the property sells or the ratepayer no longer resides at the property.

Yes, the cost will include a new underground property service cable from the green dome near the front of your property to your meter.

Vacant land would be charged for the cost of underground power, just as for Council rates and sewerage. However, Council may consider a different service charge for these properties once costs are known because there is no property service connection.

Once the underground power service charge is issued, it becomes a charge on the property in the same manner as Council rates are a charge on the property. Rates and charges not paid by the due date may be recovered by legal action.