Trees
Help keep our network safe and reliable by making sure your trees don't grow too close to power lines.
All activity must be kept at least 4 metres away from overhead power lines. You must apply for a Close Approach Consent at least five working days prior if any people, equipment, machinery, or scaffolding are going to be any closer than 4 metres from our power lines.
Only arborists authorised by us are allowed to trim trees within this distance of our lines.
A person doesn’t need to be touching a power line directly to be electrocuted. Items can become electrified and shock anyone touching them, and high voltage electricity can jump gaps.
Even if you don’t need a Close Approach Consent, you must ALWAYS maintain a safe distance (as set out in the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001)) from any nearby electric lines.
Keep an eye on the height of power lines crossing driveways to prevent contact with these when driving trucks and other large vehicles in or out of properties.
When working on your own property, you'll need to:
Safety around overhead lines is non-negotiable, and the same applies when working below ground.
To dig safely, there are several steps you'll need to follow.
You can arrange to have your own power supply temporarily disconnected free of charge. You’ll need this to safely undertake roofing, spouting, painting, water blasting, tree trimming, scaffolding or any other work around the power line running from the pole to your home or business (known as a service line).
You can request this via your electricity retailer, who may charge you an administration fee to process the request. Please note that you will need to be present when we attend.
The safest option is always to contact your electricity retailer so that we can come and turn off the power to your property.
Always follow the conditions of a Close Approach Consent, but remember that even this doesn’t guarantee workers’ safety.
Everyone who works near overhead power lines has a legal requirement to maintain the minimum safe distances set out in NZECP 34:2001.
If you don’t, you might get an electric shock or experience a flashover, fire, or explosion – all of which can cause life-altering injuries such as severe burns, or even death.
You might be held liable for any damage caused, along with any indirect losses incurred from power outages which impact our communities. WorkSafe may also impose fines or initiate criminal proceedings.
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