Economic Regulation Authority street lighting cost decision

The City of Cockburn's response to PerthNow Cockburn about the Economic Regulation Authority decision to reject Western Power's proposed 44 per cent increase to street lighting costs

Question: What is your reaction to the ERA’s decision to reject Western Power’s attempt to hike street lighting charges by nearly 44 per cent? Did the City of Cockburn make a submission to the ERA opposing this decision and if so, why?
Answer: The City was very concerned by the potential financial impact Western Power’s proposal could have on City rates and services, and supported the submission made by the WA Local Government Association to the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) on behalf of local governments.  

Question: If the 44 per cent increase had been implemented, what would’ve been the cost to the City?
Answer: The estimated cost would have been around $1m.

Question: The ERA recommended a “transitional price path” over multiple years to achieve a cost reflective tariff, beginning with a 7.43 per cent increase in Western Powers’ network charges for street lighting from July 1. Is the City comfortable with this increase?
Answer: While the City would obviously prefer lower increases, the “transitional price path” is a much more manageable approach for the City to plan for. However, the City looks forward to working with the ERA and Western Power in reviewing and establishing the allocation of costs for streetlighting that will inform the “transitional price path” to a cost reflective tariff.

Question: Following the decision, some Mayors have told PerthNow they would like the ownership and management of street lighting to be transferred back to local governments, what do you think about this?
Answer: Owning and managing streetlighting assets is not core business for local governments and the City considers assuming this responsibility in future would not be in the best interests of the City’s ratepayers.