Important information about power lines supplying electricity to your property
Energy Safety* would like to remind property owners to be aware that they are responsible for the power lines supplying their property.
Power lines may be an overhead line or an underground cable. In some areas, and especially in rural areas, the overhead line may extend over several poles from the property before it connects to the electricity distributor’s network.
A power line, that has fallen to the ground, could result in a serious injury or death to one of your family members or a neighbour.
In a recent incident, a live power line came down and was lying on a wire boundary fence. A neighbour’s child was closing a metal gate, after herding sheep, when he made contact with the wire boundary fence and received a serious, but not fatal, electric shock.
Power supply and your responsibilities
A property owner is responsible for the power lines up to the point of supply. Generally this is the point on the boundary of a property where the electricity supply enters. But in some areas, especially rural areas, this point of entry might not be clear.
If you are not sure which portion of the power lines is your responsibility then Energy Safety recommends that you contact the electricity distributor in your area to discuss. The electricity distributor may also be able to assist you in determining the condition of your power line.
Checking power lines and poles
Property owners should carry out periodic checks to ensure that the lines and the poles, supporting the lines, are in good order. This includes checking that the lines are not in contact with trees or tree branches. If the power line is an underground cable a record should be kept of the location.
Also if you are going to doing any excavation work, before you start digging always check the location of power cables and other services such as gas and water pipes.
Keeping your power lines in a safe condition will help ensure you, your family and friends avoid a serious accident or death.
* Energy Safety, which is part of the Ministry of Economic Development, is the government agency responsible for ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity and gas.
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