Maintenance of Private Power Poles

In response to an increasing risk of bushfire, the NSW Government has enacted special powers for bushfire prevention under Division 2A of the Electricity Supply Act 1995.

Consequently, landowners are required to maintain private power poles and lines. This may cause significant financial hardship to landowners who will now bear all costs associated with fixing any defects, maintaining (including surrounding vegetation) and in some cases replacing power poles.

Essential Energy (or other power grid operators) may undertake inspections of poles from time to time and they have power to issue defect notices, but property owners with private poles or private infrastructure (including wires) are also expected to organise their own regular inspections:

·  annually, before each bushfire season

·  after major storms, or

·  if they suspect any damage.

How do I identify if a power pole on my land is privately owned?

A private power pole will have a plaque fixed to it somewhere near the base. Plaques with a ‘PP’ prefix at the start of the number indicate that a pole is privately owned.

Essential Energy (or the relevant power grid operator) is responsible for maintaining the electricity network up to the connection point on your property. All infrastructure on a private pole including insulators, wires etc are the landowner’s responsibility, as are all wires and other infrastructure past the connection point for your property.

What about shared private power lines?

Where a private power line is shared, then there may be multiple land owners who are jointly responsible for inspection and rectifying defects.  If this applies to your situation you should take legal advice about your obligations and rights and whether you can seek contribution for costs from another landowner.

How will I know if a defect notice is issued?

As noted above, landowners are expected to conduct their own inspections and maintain the private assets (using qualified personnel).

However, Essential Energy and other grid providers can also conduct their own review of electrical infrastructure. If they determine that private electrical infrastructure on your land is defective, they may serve written notice on you that  specified work be undertaken by a suitably qualified person within 60 days. This may include qualified electrical contractors or tree loppers.

Works must be in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act 1995, Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014, Corporate Marketing Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006, Electricity Network Safety Management System and Australian Standards and guidelines.

Implications for you

Costs associated with repairing and maintaining electrical infrastructure can be significant, particularly if you have multiple private poles located on your property.

In the event you do not comply with a notice, Essential Energy may either cut your power or enter your property and undertake the works and recover their costs from you.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, flexible payment plans or other financial options may be available.

If the private assets serve more than one property, you should take legal advice as to whether repair and maintenance costs should be shared.

For further information regarding private power poles see  Essential Energy Frequently Asked Questions