In order to improve the reliability of XLPE cables, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of electrical and water tree degradation. Especially, electrical tree initiation and propagation are important in XLPE cable insulation. This paper deals with the changes of electrical properties of XLPE cable insulation with electrical tree degradation. To understand the electrical properties of XLPE insulation, specimens were prepared by 22.9kV distribution cable and made in a type of block. Ogura needles having tip radius of 10${mu}{ extrm}{m}$ were inserted into each block pieces. AC voltages of 8kV, 10kV and 12kV at 60Hz were applied to needle. We investigated the relationship between electrical properties(PD quantity, tan$delta$ and DC current) and the growth of electrical tree. The electrical properties of the specimens were measured from initiation of tree to breakdown and their characteristics were analyzed.