Transmission refers to network infrastructure that carries very large amounts of energy from generation sources to substations where it is then transferred to the distribution network and then delivered to residential and business properties.

A transmission line easement is a property right that enables our employees and contractors to enter land to undertake maintenance and other work on transmission lines and other associated electricity assets. To protect this property right the easement places limitations on certain land uses and activities over the land that could pose a safety risk to the community to environment or impact the safe operation of the Western Power network.

Common examples of easements include poles or wires on private land and shared driveways. You can find more information on landowner obligations here.

While we prioritise using existing infrastructure where possible, upgrades alone aren’t always feasible. During planning, we consider future electricity needs, community and industry demand, technical requirements, cost and operational needs. We undertake a rigorous assessment to balance these factors and ensure the best option for the community.

The result is a combination of new construction and targeted upgrades to existing assets.

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) are carefully considered in the planning, location and operation of Western Power network assets. We are guided by Australian and international health authorities and take a precautionary approach in line with the Energy Network Australia EMF Management Handbook. This includes applying industry best practice methods to our engineering and design solutions to reduce or mitigate EMF exposure.

You can find information on Electric Fields and Magnetic Fields and their occurrence on the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) website.

More renewable energy sources are required to meet growing community and industry demand. The most abundant renewable resources such as wind are often located outside the metro area in our regions. To transport clean energy from these regions requires essential upgrades to the existing network as well as building new connecting infrastructure. This will ensure the network continues to meet growing energy needs while remaining robust and reliable.

For more information please visit Energy Policy WA

Click the diagram below to see Western Power's key considerations when planning a new energy transition project.

A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey is a safe and simple way for us to see what’s under the ground without digging. You can think of it like an X‑ray for the earth. Using low‑power radar waves, GPR helps us find things like pipes, cables or empty spaces so we know what’s there before any construction starts. This helps prevent damage to underground services and keeps everyone safe.

When a GPR survey is happening, you’ll usually see a small team walking or pushing a wheeled cart over the area. It’s quick, quiet and low impact. There’s no drilling or digging, so your property won’t be damaged. Depending on where we’re working, there may be temporary traffic management or a safe work zone in place. GPR is completely safe for people, pets and the environment.

Geotechnical surveys usually happen after a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey and help us learn more about what’s under the ground. This includes looking at soil, rock and groundwater to confirm whether the ground can safely support future infrastructure.

It involves small drilling equipment, testing tools and trained specialists on site collecting soil samples or carrying out simple ground tests. These activities are generally quick and low impact.

Depending on location, there may be temporary traffic management or a marked safe work zone.

While small test holes or samples may be taken, care is taken to minimise disturbance and leave the area in a safe and tidy condition once work is complete. This type of survey is considered low risk and unlikely to cause damage to property.

A heritage survey is an on Country walk‑through carried out with Traditional Owners and heritage specialists to help identify Aboriginal cultural heritage in an area where works are being planned.

Aboriginal heritage includes the cultural, spiritual, historical and social values that connect Aboriginal people to Country. Some heritage is easy to see, like artefacts or scarred trees, while other important values may not be visible but are still culturally significant.

During a heritage survey, you may notice small groups of Traditional Owners, heritage specialists and project team members walking through the area together. They may stop to look closely at the ground, talk about the landscape, record locations using GPS and identify areas that should be avoided or protected. There is no digging or ground disturbance during this process.

The purpose of a heritage survey is to understand Country, respect cultural knowledge and ensure future works protect culturally significant places and meet legal and cultural requirements.

Environmental impact assessments (EIA) help us understand the environmental values of an area before any work proceeds. This includes identifying local plants, animals and ecosystems So potential impacts can be avoided or minimised early in project planning.

We start with desktop assessments to help guide options and avoid areas with higher environmental value wherever possible. This is followed by on-ground flora and fauna surveys where specialist ecologists walk through the area to observe and record vegetation, wildlife and habitat features.

Unlike some other surveys, they need to happen more than once in certain areas as different plants emerge at different times of the year or a different specialist, such as botanical, zoological or dieback expert, may be needed?