Underground Power in Perth: Converting Overhead to Underground
Underground power is one of the smartest upgrades a Perth property owner can make, and it is more achievable than most people realise. Whether you want to remove an unsightly private pole, protect your supply from storms, or future-proof for solar and an EV charger, converting your overhead service to buried cable is a job a licensed electrician handles with Western Power. Here is what underground power in Perth involves, what it costs, and whether it is right for you.
What underground power in Perth actually means Underground power simply means your electricity supply runs through buried cable rather than overhead wires on poles. Across the metro area roughly 70% of properties now benefit from it, partly through Western Power network programs and partly through private conversions. If your street still has poles and wires, you can often convert your own connection from the overhead service cable to an underground pole-to-pillar supply, independently of any government program.
6 reasons to switch to underground power
- Storm resilience: buried cable is protected from Perth’s wild winter storms and falling branches
- No private pole to maintain, repair or eventually replace
- A cleaner street view and better street appeal, which can lift property value
- A safer property with no low, damaged or overloaded overhead lines
- More capacity for modern loads like solar, batteries and EV chargers
- Fewer weather and wildlife-related power interruptions and surges
Underground power Perth cost: what to budget There are two parts to the cost. Western Power charges a connection fee for the pole-to-pillar work, which in recent years has been in the order of $3,400 for a property on the same side of the road as the supply and around $4,900 for the opposite side. On top of that, your electrician’s portion, supplying and installing the consumer mains from the pillar to your meter plus trenching, generally runs between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on distance and access. Every job is quoted after assessing your property.
The pole-to-pillar conversion process The conversion process is more straightforward than it sounds. You apply to Western Power for approval and a quote; once approved, your electrician installs the underground consumer mains and the pillar connection, then liaises with the network operator to disconnect the overhead service and connect the new underground supply. Power is usually only off for around two to three hours on connection day.
Working with Western Power (we handle it) The part that puts people off, dealing with the network, is exactly the part a good electrician takes care of for you. We help with the application, schedule the work around the approval, and coordinate the disconnection and reconnection so the changeover is smooth. The state’s Western Power underground power program also converts whole streets over time, but you do not have to wait for your area to be selected to convert your own supply.
Is underground power right for your property? It makes the most sense if you have an ageing private pole, you are renovating or rebuilding, you are adding solar or an EV charger, or you simply want to remove the overhead lines for safety and appearance. If you are unsure, a quick site visit will tell you what is possible for your block and what it will cost. For most Perth homes it is a one-time upgrade that pays back in reliability, safety and street appeal for decades.
Choose ACS Electrical for Reliable and Fast Underground Power Installation
Want to convert to underground power at your Perth property? ACS Electrical handles the whole pole-to-pillar conversion, from the Western Power application to the final connection. Learn more about our underground power supply service, or read about our switchboard upgrades service. Call 0419 967 838 for a free assessment.
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