Kiwis are known for our DIY skills, whether it's painting, clearing gutters, replacing fence posts or building a new deck. We want you to get the job done safely.
Plan ahead
When you're planning your work, it's important that you look up for overhead power lines and understand what's below you - there may be underground cables close to where you'll be working.
If you're working within four metres of overhead power lines or poles, you'll need to apply for close approach approval, and depending on the nature of the job you may need a temporary disconnection. If the work involves digging, you must obtain refence maps to indicate the approximate location of the underground networks. Find out more below.
Your legal obligations
WorkSafe has set down minimum safe practices for doing work near electricity and communications networks.
Arrange for temporary disconnection
If you're doing any work like water blasting or repairing a roof contact one of our approved contractors to make use of our free temporary disconnection service.
DIY near power lines
You must stay at least four metres away when operating machinery like a digger or crane. This also includes tree trimming.
Check before you dig
Find out where our electricity and communications cables are. Just because there are overhead lines in the area doesn't mean there won't be underground cables as well.
Close approach approval
For safety reasons, close approach approvals are required for all work within four metres of overhead lines or cables and excavating within five metres of a power pole
Travelling with high loads
If you’re travelling with a tall structure or machinery on the back of a truck or trailer, you need approval if it’s over 4.25 metres.
Moving our assets on your property
The full cost of moving the assets sits with you, including any easements that may be necessary as part of the works. But our contractors can help make it happen.
Permanent disconnection before removal or demolition
You must have the electricity services disconnected before you demolish or remove a building. Contact your electricity retailer to have all services permanently disconnected.
