State Underground Power Program: Maylands Peninsula

STATE UNDERGROUND POWER PROGRAM (SUPP)

The SUPP is an initiative that replaces the ageing overhead power network in established areas with underground power infrastructure. It is a partnership between the State Government, Western Power and local governments, with funding shared between program partners. For more information about the program please visit Western Power.

This program is unique in Australia because of the shared funding arrangement that reflect the benefits gained by property owners, the State Government and Western Power. Property owners will gain better and more reliable power, enhanced streetscapes, brighter safer streetlights and a safer public environment, with lower CO2 emissions. An added benefit is an increase in property values.

In August 2016 the SUPP Committee advised the City of Bayswater of the selection of their submission for Maylands Peninsula. Maylands is the sixteenth and final project in the round, and was included as part of the SUPP due to the high incidence of power outages/faults experienced in the area. To read more about Western Power's Underground Power program please click here.

Western Power surveyed the 2900 affected property owners to determine their support. The clear majority of respondents (71%) supported the project so the City proceeded to engage Western Power to carry out the design and provide a cost estimate.

Project costs are split between the City (on a user pays basis) and Western Power. Western Power has agreed to absorb a significant portion of the cost increases incurred since original consultation with residents in 2016. This ensures that property owners will not bear the burden of recent rising costs. On December 6 Council authorised CEO Jeremy Edwards to sign a co-funding agreement that will see Western Power commence the project in March 2023. This agreement has been formalised with signing by Western Power and the Minister for Energy.

CONSTRUCTION ROLLOUT

Western Power have set an amended date of 31 July 2023 to begin works. Estimated start and end dates have been set by Western Power by zone. Please see the Zone Map for specific start and completion dates.

The contractor, Power on Cabling (POC), employed by Western Power will contact affected home owners and occupiers to keep them up to date with work scheduled for their street throughout the process.

COSTS TO RESIDENTS AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

The City understands that current economic conditions present financial challenges for many households that may limit their ability to pay for the construction of underground power upfront.

Underground power service charges were adopted as part of the 2023/24 Budget. The bulk of the cost of the project will be funded by the State Government and Western Power; however, property owners within the SUPP precinct are required to contribute part of the cost of the project. Charges payable per property are:

• $1,740 – Network Service Charge – to replace existing main power lines and poles along the street front with underground power and street lighting.

• $750 – Service Connection Charge – to connect underground power from the street front to your meter box (only for those without an existing underground connection based on current Western Power data).

• Service charge notices will be issued in September 2023 and will be due on 14 June 2024 for those who opt to pay in full.
• Alternative payment options, including a three-year option, will be available and detailed on your service charge notice.
• Eligible pensioners are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% on the total charge, if it is paid in full by the due date of 30 June 2024.
• Eligible pensioners will also have the option to defer payment of the service charge.
• Eligible seniors can claim a rebate of $100, if it is paid in full by the due date of 30 June 2024.