WA Underground Power Concession for Pensioners and Seniors

Underground Power Charges Are Eligible for State Concessions

When your local council converts overhead power lines to underground cabling, property owners are typically charged a multi-year connection fee that appears as a separate line item on the annual rate notice. These charges can run into thousands of dollars spread over several years, and for pensioners on a fixed income, the additional cost lands hard.

The good news: underground power connection charges raised on your council rate notice are eligible for state government concessions under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992. The rebate applies automatically once you are registered for the concession through the Water Corporation's Common Registration Service — no separate application is needed.

How Much the Concession Is Worth

The rebate percentage matches your concession card tier:

• Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card holders — 50% rebate on underground power charges, uncapped when raised on local government rate notices
• WA Seniors Card + Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (dual holders) — 50% rebate, same uncapped treatment
• WA Seniors Card only — 25% rebate, capped at $100 for the first year or part thereof that the charge is raised

The underground power concession is calculated separately from your general council rates concession. Your $750 rates cap (or $100 for Seniors Card holders) is not consumed by the underground power rebate — they are distinct entitlements.

Deferral and Underground Power

Tier 1 cardholders (PCC, SCC, or dual WASC+CSHC) who hold freehold title can defer underground power charges alongside their council rates. The same deferral mechanics apply: leaving the charges unpaid past 30 June converts them into a 0% interest secured debt on the property title, but you forfeit the annual rebate on the deferred amount.

WA Seniors Card-only holders cannot defer any charges, including underground power.

For pensioners facing a large underground power assessment — some council projects charge $5,000 to $10,000 per property over the project period — the deferral option provides genuine cash flow relief. The deferred balance accrues no interest and is secured against the title; it becomes payable on sale or transfer, if the owner rents out or permanently vacates the property, or on the owner's death unless a surviving spouse or de facto partner continues the account.

What Is Not Covered

The concession applies only to underground power charges raised by local governments on the rate notice. Charges from private electrical contractors for work on your side of the property boundary — such as upgrading your meter box or internal wiring to meet underground power standards — are not covered.

If your council is planning an underground power project and you are already registered for the concession, the rebate will apply automatically to the charges when they appear on your rate notice. If you are not yet registered, the WA Rates Concessions Guide explains the full registration process and how underground power fits into your overall concession entitlement.

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