❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about ageing wooden power poles and seeks information on replacement plans, funding, and the potential for expanding underground power programs, particularly in cyclone-prone areas.
AnsweredQoN 1199Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The State budget has highlighted the fact that Western Power’s ageing electricity distribution infrastructure (particularly in respect of wooden pole type overhead power lines) has become an increasing concern due to the potential risk it poses to public, stock and property safety (See Page 932 Employment Protection of the budget) and I ask -
(1) How many wooden power poles are of concern within the metropolitan area?
(2) How many wooden power poles are of concern across the State?
(3) What has been done to address the risk that the wooden power poles pose?
(4) What funding has been allocated to replace the wooden power poles of concern and over what period would that money be spent?
(5) What will the wooden power poles be replaced with?
(6) When will the State Government increase the funding for the underground power program so that all above ground power poles can be eliminated completely?
(7) An additional $3.1 million has been allocated in the budget to provide underground power for Port Headland to increase reliability due to the town’s vulnerability to cyclones. Are any other funding allocations being considered to provide underground power for other north-west towns in the cyclone belt? If so, what towns and what amounts of money are being considered and when would those amounts be provided?
(1) How many wooden power poles are of concern within the metropolitan area?
(2) How many wooden power poles are of concern across the State?
(3) What has been done to address the risk that the wooden power poles pose?
(4) What funding has been allocated to replace the wooden power poles of concern and over what period would that money be spent?
(5) What will the wooden power poles be replaced with?
(6) When will the State Government increase the funding for the underground power program so that all above ground power poles can be eliminated completely?
(7) An additional $3.1 million has been allocated in the budget to provide underground power for Port Headland to increase reliability due to the town’s vulnerability to cyclones. Are any other funding allocations being considered to provide underground power for other north-west towns in the cyclone belt? If so, what towns and what amounts of money are being considered and when would those amounts be provided?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 June 2006
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
14 days
The Minister for Energy has provided the following response: (1) A number of poles are identified for replacement each year, following routine inspections. In the metropolitan area, approximately 1450 wood poles have been identified for replacement. A further 1188 poles have been identified as requiring further testing and assessment. (2) In the remaining areas of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), approximately 1072 poles have been identified as needing replacement and 793 for further testing and assessment. There are approximately 600,000 wooden poles in total in the SWIS. (3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(1) A number of poles are identified for replacement each year, following routine inspections. In the metropolitan area, approximately 1450 wood poles have been identified for replacement. A further 1188 poles have been identified as requiring further testing and assessment. (2) In the remaining areas of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), approximately 1072 poles have been identified as needing replacement and 793 for further testing and assessment. There are approximately 600,000 wooden poles in total in the SWIS. (3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(2) In the remaining areas of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), approximately 1072 poles have been identified as needing replacement and 793 for further testing and assessment. There are approximately 600,000 wooden poles in total in the SWIS. (3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(1) A number of poles are identified for replacement each year, following routine inspections. In the metropolitan area, approximately 1450 wood poles have been identified for replacement. A further 1188 poles have been identified as requiring further testing and assessment. (2) In the remaining areas of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), approximately 1072 poles have been identified as needing replacement and 793 for further testing and assessment. There are approximately 600,000 wooden poles in total in the SWIS. (3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(2) In the remaining areas of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), approximately 1072 poles have been identified as needing replacement and 793 for further testing and assessment. There are approximately 600,000 wooden poles in total in the SWIS. (3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(3) Western Power inspects wood poles periodically to check their condition and to chemically treat them against rot and white ants. If necessary, the poles are scheduled for reinforcement or replacement. This is in line with common industry practice across Australia This financial year (to the end of April 2006) 1672 poles have been replaced. (4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(4) A total of $14 M has been allocated over the next three financial years for the replacement of poles. (5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(5)In the short term, new wooden poles will continue to be used to replace old poles. However, in the near future steel poles may be used in extreme, high and moderate fire risk areas as an alternative to wood poles. Investigations are presently in progress into the issues related to touch voltage (electric shock) hazards associated with using steel poles. This issue is the only barrier remaining to be resolved before starting to use steel poles. Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
Composite (synthetic) poles are also being investigated as an alternative to wood poles. Of particular concern at the present time is the fire resistance capability and high cost. There appears to be potential to use composite poles in the network in the future. (6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(6) The Underground Power Program receives $20 million dollars annually to retrospectively install underground power in areas with existing overhead power lines. This part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the standard of the electricity supply to consumers by addressing network reliability issues. As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
As part of its 2006/07 Budget, the Government increased the level of funding to the Underground Power Program by an additional $10 million in 2006/07 to enable an acceleration of work on the remaining Round Three projects and to commence the first Round Four projects in early 2007. At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
At this stage, the Government has no plans for any further increases in funding to the Program. Western Power has advised that at the current rate of new and retrospective underground power activities, it expects to achieve the goal of having 50% of Perth homes supplied by underground power by 2010. Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
Undergrounding all of the remaining 390,000 overhead connections in the metropolitan area would be an enormous undertaking, costing approximately $3.2 billion in today's prices. It is estimated that at least a further $2 billion would be required to provide underground power to about 170,000 overhead connections outside the metropolitan area. The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
The rate at which this could be achieved is unknown as it would depend on the availability of the required labour and materials over time. It should also be noted that in some areas, such as the Perth Hills, installing underground power would be cost-prohibitive, mostly due to the rocky terrain and these factors are not fully reflected in these estimates. (7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
(7) The Government considers funding allocations in the budget process.
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