Western Power’s Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP) is a new program, following on from the State Underground Power Program (SUPP).
Western Power selects areas based on a network driven approach in accordance with the network renewal undergrounding program and makes offers to Local Governments to complete undergrounding in parts of their Local Government, in priority order.
The cost of undergrounding is shared between the State Government, Western Power, Local Government and property owners, with the State Government's funding based on socio-economic indicators.
The timing of the other TUPP phase 2 projects has not yet been confirmed by Western Power, but the indicative timing is:
This section will be updated soon.
What are the benefits of underground power?
The benefits of underground power are well-known, and are summarised on Western Power’s website, as follows:
- Improved public safety – with improved street lighting neighbourhoods are safer, and by removing poles there are less car collisions.
- Improved reliability and security – once the power is underground, you’ll experience fewer disruptions after major storm events, which means fewer power outages.
- Improved street appearance – who doesn’t want to live on a nice-looking street? No power lines create a more aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood.
- Increased property value – the absence of poles and wires and the inclusion of new street lighting has a positive impact on property values.
- Reduction in street tree pruning – no need to worry about trees getting in the way of poles anymore! Property owners and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) also save on maintenance costs, while also allowing the tree canopy to flourish.
- Lower life-cycle costs – underground power has minimal maintenance and operating costs.
- Improved opportunity for emerging technologies – helps pave the way for innovation and caters better to future power demand.
Why am I getting underground power?
If you live in Bassendean North, your property is included in Western Power’s Bassendean North Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP).
Under this program, Western Power identifies priority areas for underground power based on the condition of ageing overhead infrastructure and invites local governments to participate.
This is a rare opportunity to upgrade the electricity network in your street – projects of this nature typically become available only once every 50 years.
Converting from overhead to underground power delivers long-term benefits for residents and the wider community, including a more reliable power supply (with fewer storm-related outages), improved streetscapes through the removal of poles and wires, and capacity for future needs such as electric vehicles, increased tree canopy and new street lighting. It can also reduce maintenance costs over the life of the infrastructure and support stronger property values.
In 2022, the Town consulted with property owners and residents in the Bassendean North area to gauge community interest. Feedback was largely positive and Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Western Power in December 2022.
What if I don't want underground power? Can I opt out?
In 2022, the Town consulted with property owners and residents in the Bassendean North area to gauge community interest. Feedback was largely positive and Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Western Power.
The results of the survey indicated that a representative majority of property owners are in favour of the proposal to install underground power.
It is not viable for an individual property owner to 'opt out' of the project as all overhead distribution power lines will be removed.
Western Power determines the priority areas for underground power implementation as part of its network renewal program to improve the state's power networks.
When were property owners asked if they wanted underground power?
Western Power and the Town co-presented a community information session in October 2022. The Town wrote to all property owners within the proposed project boundary inviting them to the community information session.
In November 2022, the Town mailed out a short survey to property owners within the project area. Overall, there was strong support for the project, with over 75% of respondents supportive of the proposal.
Council then resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Western Power in December 2022.
How much and when will I have to pay for underground power?
At this stage, the final cost per household hasn’t been determined yet. The reason for this is that the Co‑Funding Agreement between Western Power and the Town of Bassendean is scheduled to be presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 May. Once Council considers and endorses that agreement, the Town can move into detailed financial modelling.
After that modelling is complete, an estimated cost per household will be reported to Council at a future meeting. As soon as Council receives that information, we’ll be able to share clearer cost details with affected property owners.
Historically, Council has enabled underground power costs to be paid off over a number of years through the annual rates notice, rather than as a single upfront payment.
The Town also has an established process to assist ratepayers in financial difficulty as outlined in our Financial Hardship Policy.
Pensioners may be eligible for a discount under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992.
Why should I have to contribute to the replacement of Western Power infrastructure?
The Program’s shared funding arrangements reflect the benefits gained by property owners, the State Government and Western Power. Property owners will benefit from enhanced streetscapes, more reliable power, brighter and safer streetlights and a safer public environment. An added benefit is an increase in property values.
Where can I find more info?
More detailed, property‑specific information, including how and when your property will be connected, will be provided once planning progresses.
We’re also planning a community information session where residents can hear more about the project, costs and timing, and ask questions directly. Invitations to residents/ratepayers in the project area will be sent out once the session details are confirmed.
Visit Western Power’s website for more detailed information on the undergrounding process, construction impacts and reinstatement: www.westernpower.com.au/community/work-in-your-area/underground-power/
Contact Western Power for project-related questions:
Contact the Town of Bassendean for information about Council decisions and costs (once available):