In a significant move to bolster community safety, Western Power has launched a major trial of innovative insulated power lines in Perth's hills. The initiative aims to directly tackle the bushfire threat posed by electrical infrastructure while enhancing power reliability for thousands of residents.
New Technology for a Persistent Problem
The core of the project involves replacing traditional bare high-voltage (HV) wires with a new type of covered conductor. This powerline is sheathed in a special insulating material designed to prevent sparks that can ignite devastating fires.
Gair Landsborough, Western Power's asset management executive manager, highlighted the multiple benefits. "Using covered HV conductors reduces bushfire risk and helps to minimise the impact of vegetation and wildlife coming into contact with the network," he stated. He also noted the upgrade is expected to increase the resilience of the network against weather events, leading to fewer unplanned outages.
From Yanchep Pilot to Perth Hills Expansion
The rollout follows a successful small-scale pilot. In late 2025, Western Power covered 2 kilometres of network in Yanchep with the new material, testing its feasibility and performance.
Building on that groundwork, a much larger trial is now set for Parkerville in the Perth hills, commencing in mid-2026. This phase will see a substantial upgrade: 16 kilometres of high-voltage power lines will be replaced with the covered conductor. Additionally, 14 kilometres of low-voltage bare conductor will be swapped for aerial bundle cable, a move also aimed at improving reliability and reducing fire risk.
A Multi-Faceted Safety Solution
The insulated lines address several critical safety issues. Beyond the primary goal of bushfire mitigation, they offer protection for native wildlife from electrocution. The technology may also help prevent pole top fires, a common seasonal hazard. These blazes often occur when light summer rains mix with dust accumulated on pole tops, causing dangerous electrical arcing.
The push for a more resilient network is underscored by recent history. Last year, a mass power outage left 40,000 homes without electricity, some for multiple days, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure improvements.
If the Perth hills trial proves successful, this technology could become a key tool in Western Power's strategy to safeguard communities and deliver more dependable power across Western Australia's bushfire-prone regions.
