Underground power

Undergrounding the network helps us towards all elements of our vision to safely provide reliable supply, keep costs low and enable decarbonisation for our community.

Undergrounding power offers improved reliability and safety as there is a reduced risk of fallen powerlines during storm conditions or vehicle collisions with power poles. Fewer disruptions during extreme weather, means fewer power outages.

The underground network has a greater power supply capacity than the overhead network, meaning more renewable generation can be connected, and provides improved opportunities for emerging technologies.

Through our Underground Power programs, and together with mandatory underground power requirements for new developments, more than 65% of the Perth metropolitan area now benefits from underground power.

Underground power is designed to deliver reliable and safe power, while improving street appearance and opportunities for increasing the uptake of solar and other technologies.

We are committed to working with the State Government, Local Government and the community to deliver the many benefits of underground power.

• Improved public safety - with improved streetlighting making neighbourhoods safer.
• Lower life cycle cost - underground power has minimal maintenance and operating costs.
• Improved reliability and security - once the power is underground, you’re likely to experience fewer disruptions during significant storm events, which means fewer power outages.
• Improved street appearance - who doesn’t want to live on a nice-looking street? Removing powerlines create a more aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood.
• Reduction in street tree pruning - no need to worry about trees getting in the way of poles any more! The property owner and Local Government will save on maintenance costs.
• Increased property values - the absence of poles and wires and the inclusion of new streetlighting has a positive impact on property values.
• Support emerging technologies - underground power helps pave the way for innovation and caters better to future power demand.

Photos courtesy of City of South Perth for illustration purposes only. Type and location of equipment may vary depending on project design.

The State Government has been supporting underground power programs since 1996, with more than 100,000 properties converted from overhead to underground power to date.

Now, through programs such as our network renewal Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP), that growth is accelerating and a further 29,000 homes are set to receive underground power by 2027.

We currently manage three programs converting the overhead network to underground power:

Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP) - Western Power selects areas based on a network driven approach in accordance with the network renewal undergrounding program. We make 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 tiered based on socio-economic indicators.

The first TUPP project is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

TUPP is a collaboration between Local Government (WALGA), the State Government and Western Power. Targeted Underground Power Program Guidelines outline the processes, decision making pathways and responsibilities for TUPP implementation.

You can find further information on TUPP, answers to common questions about the program, and links to State Government underground power resources at wa.gov.au.

Network Renewal Undergrounding Program Pilot (NRUPP) - a program driven by Western Power targeting areas with a high density of aging overhead distribution assets.

The cost of undergrounding is shared between Western Power, the Local Government and property owners.

It is a pilot program that has been replaced with the TUPP.

Retrospective Undergrounding Projects (RUP) - Local Governments who would like to have underground power installed in an area that is not on our network driven priority list can apply for undergrounding.

Local Governments are able to apply for a Retrospective Underground Project online.

These projects are primarily funded directly by the Local Government and property owners, with a contribution from Western Power.

A previous program, the State Underground Power Program (SUPP), was a State Government initiative established in 1996 to convert overhead power underground.  The final Round Six SUPP program was completed in 2024.

Western Power spends around $1 billion each year upgrading and maintaining the network to manage safety, reliability and environmental risks.

As part of our asset management process, we identify areas with assets needing replacement and determine the renewal and maintenance work that is required.

Traditionally the work involves like-for-like replacement of assets, however when identified as beneficial to the community and cost effective to do so, we may convert the overhead network to underground as part of this asset replacement.

Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP) areas are selected through a network driven approach in accordance with our network renewal undergrounding program.

Following its annual planning cycle, Western Power has updated the network renewal map, integrating several strategic updates. The network renewal map reflects risk-based planning which can change prioritisation of potential projects. Future network risk, renewal plans and potential project areas can be impacted by multiple drivers including public safety, reliability, asset age, asset condition, and market factors.

View indicative map of our network renewal underground program.

Transmission lines carry bulk electricity at high voltages from power stations to substations, where power is transformed for distribution to customers. Overhead transmission lines in your area will not be underground due to the high cost of undergrounding transmission infrastructure.

Primary equipment such as ground mounted transformers and switchgear units, enables the distribution of electricity to customers through the underground network. This equipment was previously located on overhead poles, and as part of the conversion to underground power we move them to the ground.

Integral to this evolution is primary equipment. This isn’t just hardware; it’s the linchpin that channels electricity into our homes and businesses. Primary equipment has the following role:

• Ensures a stable connection for your electrical needs, swiftly reconfiguring networks duringoutages.
• Localises faults, affecting fewer residents during disruptions.
• Adapts to community power demands with automated switching between circuits.
• Enhances voltage regulation, ensuring a stable energy flow to homes and businesses.
• Provides data to help us make decisions about our community’s energy needs.

Types and placement of primary equipment

When moving power lines underground and removing poles, other gear needs to come down as well! These various primary equipment types are:

• Transformers: Converting higher voltages to a safe level for your home and local businesses.
• High voltage switchgear: Protecting the system’s integrity and allowing nimble maintenance without extensive outages.
• Low voltage kiosks: Distributing power to multiple premises, designed for quick recovery from faults.

Find out more about primary equipment

While the underground power project is being delivered you may experience some impacts from the construction works. We’re committed to keeping you informed and minimising disruptions while this essential work is underway. Download our guide on what you can expect during construction.