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 is underground power?
Undergrounding power is removing the existing above ground power distribution network (such as poles and wires) and moving underground.
Fact sheet: Bringing underground power to your neighbourhood
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 understand community support for the program. This included co-presented information sessions with Western Power and a survey of property owners.
The project required majority support from residents to proceed. The Town received 242 survey responses, with 75.6% of respondents supporting the project. As a result, Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Co-funding Agreement with Western Power.
What will the project include?
The project will replace most of the existing power network with underground power. This includes:
- installing new underground consumer mains where required;
- upgrading parts of the existing underground network;
- replacing overhead transformers with ground-mounted transformers;
- removing most power poles and overhead wires; and
- installing new LED streetlights.
There are two main property types within the project area:
- properties that already have an underground consumer main; and
- properties that require a new underground consumer main.
Properties with an existing underground consumer main may not require a new connection to their property. However, work is still required in these areas as part of the broader program.
Residents with an existing underground consumer main will benefit from the broader network upgrades and connection to the underground network including new transformers, upgraded infrastructure and streetlighting.
Why has the project taken so long since the initial information sessions and survey?
Like many industries, Western Power had challenges in securing a contractor and this has pushed the commencement date out.
What is the Town's role?
The Bassendean North Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP), is fully managed by Western Power.
The Town is responsible for leading the community engagement, with Western Power providing support. While the costs are set by Western Power, the Town of Bassendean (the Town) is responsible for collecting the local share from impacted property owners. The project is consistent with Council’s Underground Power Policy.
I said no to this project, why is it going ahead? Can I opt out?
As part of the TUPP program, the Town of Bassendean consulted with property owners and residents in the Bassendean North area to gauge community interest in the program, including the estimated average contribution from ratepayers. The project must have majority level of support from residents to proceed.
This survey in 2022, received 242 survey responses with 75.6 % of these supporting the project. The results of the survey indicated that a representative majority of property owners are in favour of the proposal to install underground power.
Shared infrastructure supporting electricity distribution to the whole suburb will be undergrounded. 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 Co‑Funding Agreement between Western Power and the Town of Bassendean was presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 May. Council endorsed that agreement and the Town is now conducting 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.
As the underground power charge will be raised by the Town on the rates notice in 2027/28, eligible pensioners and seniors can receive a concession. Eligible pensioners and people who hold both a WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card may receive a rebate of up to 50% or may choose to defer payment. People who hold only a WA Seniors Card may receive a rebate of up to 25%, capped at $100 in the first year the underground power charge is raised. They must be eligible and registered for the concession in that first year.
Further information about pensioner and senior concessions can be found at:
The Town of Bassendean has been and will continue to advocate for cost relief from Western Power and the State Government. The Town has asked Western Power and the State Government for further cost relief to reduce the amount that needs to be recovered from property owners. To date, our advocacy has been unsuccessful, however, Council will continue this advocacy on behalf of the community.
I already have underground power, do I still pay for the project?
Yes. The underground power service charges applicable to ratepayers has two components:
1. Contribution to the Suburban Infrastructure (Network Service Charge)
Suburban Infrastructure – is the shared infrastructure supporting electricity distribution to the whole suburb. Ie: removal of existing poles and wire, installation of ground-based transformers and the underground distribution network. This is a shared cost.
2. Residential Connection - Green dome (Consumer mains charge)
Residential Connection – all properties are checked to see if they have a suitable connection (green dome). If they do, this fee will not be applied. If there is a green dome but needs some work, these properties are charged a modified fee.
Properties with an existing underground consumer main may not require a new connection to their property. However, work is still required in these areas as part of the broader program. Residents with an existing underground consumer main will benefit from the broader network upgrades and connection to the underground network including new transformers, upgraded infrastructure and streetlighting.
Does the cost include the connection to the meter box?
Yes, it includes a new underground service cable from the green pillar near the front boundary of the property to the meter. To find out more about the costs involved, please contact your Local Government.
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.
Why is the cost for my suburb different to other suburbs and local governments?
The cost for each project is determined based on a number of factors such as population density, network load requirements, topography and ground conditions.
Each underground power program has a different funding model. Wester Power determines the funding model for each project.
Who will be delivering the project works?
Westen Power has appointed MME Underground Services as the contractor to deliver the project works in the Bassendean North area.
What can I expect when works are happening in my street?
There’s a lot that needs to be done to get power underground. This includes:
- Installing new underground power cables in the road reserve under verges
- Installing connection pillars (green dome/box), usually at the front corner of a property and the adjacent property
- Installing transformers and switchgear units to manage the distribution of power throughout the area. These are located in parks and public open spaces, or sometimes along property side verges
- Installing an underground connection from the connection pillar to the meter box at each property
- Changing each property over to the new underground system once it’s complete and is live, and removing the old overhead conductors
- Designing and installing a new LED streetlight system that meets the latest Australian Standards
- Removing existing wood poles and overhead powerlines (excluding transmission poles and wires)
You’ll be informed every step of the way with advice notifications dropped in your mailbox by the contractor, prior to delivering the work. You can also view the latest updates at: westernpower.com.au/underground-power projects.
Construction impacts
Expect some short-term noise, dust and vibration while we work. The contractor will run well-maintained plant and equipment and schedule the loudest tasks at considerate times, always under strict safety standards.
Works timing
Crews operate during normal construction hours for your area. Occasionally they may need to work after hours – for example, to keep the public safe or shorten a planned outage. If that happens, they’ll agree the timing with local authorities and give you advance notice.
Outages
Switching your supply from overhead to underground involves a power outage that usually lasts a few hours. You’ll receive a written notice two weeks before and Western Power will attempt to contact you directly just before they turn the power off.
Traffic management
Temporary traffic and pedestrian controls keep everyone safe around work sites. Please follow signs and crew directions. The contractors plan each activity to minimise vehicle movements and reduce local congestion.
Information about what to expect during construction is detailed in the Western Power Project Construction Information Factsheet.
Will all the overhead wires and poles be removed?
Distribution network poles and wires will be removed within the project area only. Transmission poles and wires won’t be.
Where will the green dome go?
Usually, every second property has a green dome/box installed. The exact location is determined during the design process, but it’s usually located at the front corner of a property, just inside the front boundary.
There are three different types of pillars, the smaller sized dome mini-pillar, the box shaped mini-pillar and the larger sized dome uni-pillar. You’ll find only around 10% of properties will have uni-pillars.
What if my property or verge is damaged?
The contractor carrying out the project will repair any damage caused by the works. Please report any damage not remedied to the contractor as soon as possible. At the start of the project, you’ll receive information in your mailbox with the contractor’s contact details.
All street verges are video-recorded before any work commences as a record. If your verge is damaged, it will be reinstated as close as practical to its original condition.
You can also view the reinstatement information from Western Power.
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 MME Underground Services for construction related questions:
Contact the Town of Bassendean for information about Council decisions and costs (once available):