Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard supports the continuation and expansion of the State Underground Power Program (SUPP), but suggests exploring alternative funding models to speed up the burying of overhead power lines.

"The SUPP is moving too slowly while the demand by the community for the eradication of overhead power lines in established suburbs continue to grow rapidly," said Dr Woollard.

"In my submission to the Economic Regulation Authority’s cost benefit study into the SUPP I suggested that a more equitable beneficiary pay approach to sinking of power lines need to explored as it would impact how project costs are funded.

"This could mean that local governments could pick up more of the costs as a form of infrastructure investment which brings many benefits enjoyed by both the community and a local government.

Dr Woollard said these benefits include improved amenity, better streetscape planning for a more attractive locality, and less disruption to operations and services to ratepayers.

Dr Woollard applauds the City of Subiaco for collecting rates earmarked for underground power lines for more than 20 years. This has enabled Subiaco to sink power lines prior to the SUPP and not pass the cost of undergrounding under the SUPP to its ratepayers.

"A similar initiative by the City of Melville is more welcoming than investing in financial instruments that resulted in a $21 million loss," said Dr Woollard.

"Western Power have said they have the capacity for such projects, which could see more areas converted earlier.

"I stressed in my submission however that the electricity distribution network remains the asset of the State Government, and it must inject more funds into the SUPP so more households could benefit from the advantages of underground power lines.

"For example, as part of their asset management plan, Western Power could place underground segments of overhead power lines which need upgrading or replacement. This would help to minimise the cost for households as shown by a project in the City of Wanneroo.