Published on Wednesday, 8 December 2021 at 11:00:00 PM
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Project update, 25 February 2022
The Eden Hill Underground Power Project will switch your area from overhead distribution powerlines to an underground supply. Underground power is designed to deliver reliable and safe power, while improving your street appearance and opportunities for emerging technologies, and we are committed to working with you to deliver these benefits.
Primary equipment sites
Following feedback from the community activity on the primary equipment sites ceased in November while we worked with Western Power to address the issues raised by residents about the design and location for this equipment.
We also met with impacted residents and agreed on how to proceed with the installation of the primary equipment sites and adjusted the design to ensure we minimise the footprint of each of these sites.
The location of each primary equipment unit site is determined following extensive analysis of the network, and considering technical constraints, safety considerations, heritage and environmental impacts. Each site also has its own unique installation requirements to comply with Western Power’s technical specifications, to meet Australian Standards, and for community safety.
Works on the primary equipment sites has now recommenced.
Next steps
If any works are planned in your immediate area, the contractor Cape Utilities will drop a letter in your mailbox notifying you of scheduled start dates, contact details and other key information.
We will keep you informed of any changes to the project via letter or email, depending on your preference, and will also continue to update this page.
Your feedback is important
We invite you to email any questions to the Western Power Underground Project Team – [email protected], and we will work with them to respond.
Project Communications
The contract between Western Power and Cape Utilities has recently been executed. A project flyer has been sent by Western Power to residents and owners via their mailboxes to advise that the project to switch from overhead to underground power supply is proceeding.
Eden Hill Underground Power Flyer
In the coming weeks you will start to see activity occurring in the project area. This will involve service locating being carried out in the verge in project zone 1. Upon completion of the service locating it is expected that project works associated with the installation of the consumer mains, such as horizontal drilling, will commence around the middle of September 2021 in project zone 1.
Eden Hill Underground Power Project Boundary
Residents will receive communications in your mailbox directly from Cape Utilities prior to the commencement of the different stages of the project. The notification letters will provide contact details for reinstatement and work related queries.
Read the latest news and information on the Western Power's Website
Any general project related questions should be sent to Western Power via [email protected] or general queries phone number 131087.
All project works related or reinstatement queries should be referred to Western Power’s contractor Cape Utilities via [email protected].
Project Lifecycle
Stage 1 - Consumers’ mains installation. Affected properties notified 3-5 days prior to works commencing. It is expected these works will commence around the middle of September 2021 in project zone 1.
Stage 2 - Street services installation of the power cable within the verge. Affected properties along the street will be notified 3-5 days prior to works commencing.
Stage 3 - Changeover from overhead to a new underground connection. Affected properties notified 5-7 days prior to works commencing.
Stage 4 – Removal of Poles & Wires. Affected properties along the street notified 3-5 days prior to works commencing.
Stage 5 – Street light installation. Affected properties along the street notified 3-5 days prior to works commencing.
Reinstatement Works
Prior to the start of the project Cape Utilities will carry out a dilapidation report on the property in the location of the works to be carried out. Cape Utilities will rectify any damage caused by their works. This will include any damage caused to the verge adjacent to your property.
Affected residents may wish to take their own photos of the verge and the area between the meter box and the verge.
Residents should postpone any verge garden makeovers until after the project has been completed in their project zone as every second verge will be impacted by horizontal drilling.
Project Zones
The project area will be divided into 4 zones. All project works will be fully completed in a zone before the project moves into the next zone. Project works will start in zone 1 shortly and be completed early 2022.
Eden Hill Underground Power Project Zone Map
Service Locating
The Eden Hill Underground Power Project is set to commence in the next week or so with service locating being carried out in the verge. This will mean a PVC pipe marked with Cape Utilities will be located on verges for the duration of the works in a project zone. Service locating will commence firstly in zone 1.
Upon completion of the service locating it is expected that project works associated with the installation of the consumer mains, such as horizontal drilling, will commence around the middle of September 2021 in project zone 1.
Power Disruption
The disruption of power associated with the changeover from overhead to a new underground connection will be kept to a minimum. Cape Utilities will notify affected residents 5-7 days prior to the commencement of works.
Any power disruption questions should be directed to Cape Utilities.
Cost Estimate
The service charge or cost is for a new underground residential consumer mains connection (the underground cable from the green plastic dome to your home).
If a property is already connected via an underground cable the service charge will not be applicable.
Service charge for a new underground residential consumer mains connection:
- Council has stated its intention to impose a standard service charge on property owners of $2,910.
- The service charge will be levied as part of annual rates, over five years commencing 2022/23.
- The service charge may be paid in instalments, which will be due at the same time as Rates instalments.
- Pensioners may be eligible for a discount under the “Pensioner Discount scheme”.
- The Town has a Financial Hardship Policy to assist those who may be experiencing financial hardship.
Who Pays
For all service charge enquiries please contact the Town on 9377 8000 or [email protected].
Benefits of Underground Power
- Fewer power outages, improved reliability and fewer asset failures after storms
- Improved safety, better street lighting and fewer car collisions with poles
- Improved street appearance by removing poles and wires, pleasing views of your neighbourhood, making it a more desirable area to live in, and higher property value
- Reduced costs for street tree pruning
- Lower life-cycle costs, minimal maintenance and operating costs
- Improved opportunity for emerging technologies, energy trading, electric vehicle penetration and Smart City strategies.
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