The Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP) is a State Government initiative in collaboration with Local Government and Western Power to provide underground power across the State of Western Australia in priority order.
Western Power has approached the City to consider installing underground power in Melville and Palmyra West area (TUPP 151A project area). The electrical infrastructure in the identified area, including power poles, powerlines and transformers, is nearing the end of its life and is due for replacement.
By making the switch from overhead to underground power the network will become more reliable and safer, avoiding pole top fires and reducing the risk of fallen powerlines during storms or cars hitting power poles. Improved street lighting will contribute to a safer neighbourhood and the absence of poles and wires will allow street trees to grow reducing costs and improving property values.
The cost of upgrading to undergrounding power will be shared between Western Power, the State Government and ratepayers within the project area. The average total cost to each rate payer is estimated to be between $3,000 and $6,000 per dwelling.
If 50% or more of respondents support this TUPP proposal then the project will proceed.
Where is the proposed project area?
The Targeted Underground Power Program 151A (TUPP 151A) project area boundary, as shown in this map, is located largely between Canning Highway, Justinian Street, Leach Highway and Petra Street, together with adjoining local streets.
Enter your address below to check if your property is within the TUPP 151A project area.
Opportunities to get involved
We’re seeking feedback from residents within the project area. The proposal will proceed if more than 50% of respondents indicate their support.
Tell us whether you support or do not support the project by midnight, Sunday 17 May 2026 via the following:
- Online: Complete the form below
- Mail: Locked Bag 1, Booragoon WA 6154
- Phone: (08) 9364 0666 or 1300 635 845
- In person: 10 Almondbury Rd, Booragoon
You must include your unique code when making a submission. This can be found on your notification letter or by contacting the City of Melville.
Please note only one submission per property will be accepted, duplicates and fake IDs will be removed.
Can't see the form below? Click here.
For more information about this project, or to request an alternative way to participate, please refer to the FAQs below.
FAQs about TUPP
SUPP was a State Government initiative that was established in 1996 to convert overhead power to underground.
TUPP replaces SUPP with areas now selected based on Western Power’s network driven approach in accordance with its network renewal undergrounding program.
The cost of undergrounding is shared between the State Government, Western Power and property owners. The State Government funding is tiered based on socio-economic indicators to ensure all areas can benefit.
There’s a number of benefits to installing Underground Power. These include:
- 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 - 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 generally has a positive impact on property values.
The City of Melville surveyed property owners and each property owner could submit one response sharing whether they support underground power or not.
If 50% or more of respondents support underground power, then the whole project area will be undergrounded.
If 50% of respondents do not support underground power, then the whole project area will not be undergrounded and the area is likely to maintain power poles and wires for around 40 years.
FAQs about cost
The cost of undergrounding power is shared between the State Government, Western Power and the landowner.
The estimated average cost to upgrade the current infrastructure to underground power is approx. $3,000 - $6,000 per property.
Please note that if you choose to pay this cost by credit card, a surcharge fee of 0.6% will be imposed.
Western Power costs the project after completing a detailed design and then adjustments are made based on the following factors:
- Property density
- kVA requirements asadvisedby Western Power
- The City’s existing differential ratingmethodologyfor commercial properties
- Whether you have a green dome.
- Any existing infrastructure in-situ
Costs to property owners would appear on your 2027/2028 Rates Notice. Tailored repayments over a period of five years can also be arranged. Interest applies at a nominal amount determined by Council’s adoption of the 2026-2027 Annual Budget.
Please note that if you choose to pay this cost by credit card, a surcharge fee of 0.6% will be imposed.
You will be entitled to a rebate if you hold a valid WA Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card.
If your home or unit has a green dome and no powerline running from your house to the street, it is likely you will not have to pay the Network Connection Charge.
However, you will still need to pay the Network Service Charge, which is different from the connection charge. This cost helps cover things like removing power poles and wires, putting power underground, installing new equipment, and adding modern LED streetlights to your street.
While we understand some homes may already have underground power, this project is about upgrading the power network across the entire suburb so that everyone benefits from a safer, more reliable and modern system.
Residents in a strata with 4 or more dwellings will pay a reduced rate.
Who’s listening?
| Contact: | Leon Ebbelaar , Traffic & Road Safety |
| Phone: | 08 9364 0666 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
We take your privacy seriously. Any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with applicable Western Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA), and is used only to support engagement, analyse feedback and share relevant updates.
City of Melville Privacy Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024
Yes, submissions can be completed on their behalf, provided consent is given. Alternative ways to participate are always available through online, by phone, or in person, and the City of Melville can assist if required.
You can stay in the loop by following the project page for updates straight to your inbox. Simply visit the page and click the ‘Follow Engagement’ button at the top.
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