Published on Friday, 28 April 2023 at 12:39:13 PM
The City of Nedlands is preparing to undertake community consultation on the proposed final stage of the underground power program.
This stage will connect the last 1,701 remaining residences in the City without underground power to the program.
The proposal will deliver numerous benefits to property owners, Western Power, the City and wider community. However, the undergrounding of power also comes at a significant financial cost.
In a business case developed for the project, a number of benefits were identified including increased property values, improved reliability of electricity supply and improved amenity for the areas that receive underground power.
In terms of financial implications, the project will result in a reduction in the City’s borrowing capacity, existing projects being delayed or cancelled and potentially not being able to fund new projects.
Recent estimates suggest that the total project will cost $28.7 million, with the City required to contribute $19.03m.
Although the City would pay this amount in advance, under the City’s Underground Power Policy, 50 per cent of the City’s contribution is recoverable from residences being connected to the program.
The City will provide updates on the community consultation process in the coming weeks.
High-voltage transmission lines will not be placed underground in the proposed rollout.
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