We own and maintain the electricity network that supplies power to your property. Your service line connects our electricity network to your power meter. It can be an overhead line (and power pole) or an underground cable.
This is known as a service line, service main or private service line.
What is a service line?
A service line provides power from a point (generally a fuse on a pole for overhead lines or a pillar box for underground connections):
- On our network to your property (this could be a to house, cowshed, water pump or other infrastructure)
- On our network to a private pole and then to your property
- Underground from the network to your property
The service line may be on your property or across a neighbouring property.
Who is responsible for what?
What are you responsible for?
If you have an overhead service line, it is recommended to have your service line inspected by a lines contractor approximately every five years. If you recently had a line fall down, a cross arm break or a pole fall over, it would also be worthwhile to have a check done on the rest of the poles, wires and cross arms.
You should never attempt to repair, move or work on an electricity line yourself. Any work on the network connection must be carried out be an experienced contractor.
Trees near your service line
You’re responsible for keeping trees clear of your service line.
Working near power lines is dangerous, so you must arrange for a Powerco approved contractor to trim trees within 4m of your service line.
Contact your retailer (the company you pay your power bill to) to arrange for a free temporary disconnection so the contractor can work safely. Your retailer will need at least 24 hours' notice.
How can I tell if my service line needs attention?
From a safe distance, look for signs such as:
- Damaged or sagging overhead lines
- Frayed or damaged cables
- Old or deteriorating insulation
- A damaged or leaning private power pole
- Trees or branches growing close to the line
- Signs that a line or pole has been damaged by a vehicle, storm or other event
What if the service line is damaged?
If there is immediate danger, stay away from the area and contact us immediately.
If your service line is damaged but there is no immediate danger, contact us for advice about the network side of the connection. If the damaged equipment is customer-owned, you may need to arrange Powerco approved contractor to inspect and repair it.
Never touch a damaged power line or pole.
If a line has fallen to the ground, stay well clear and keep other people away. Treat every fallen electricity line as live.
What if I'm not sure who owns the line?
Don't guess. If you're unsure whether a line or piece of equipment belongs to us or to you, contact us before arranging any work.
Why is this important?
Service lines are easy to overlook because they are part of the everyday infrastructure that brings electricity to your home.
But unlike our poles, lines and cables in the street, you may be responsible for maintaining the final section of the connection to your property.
Keeping privately owned lines and poles in good condition helps protect you, your whanāu, contractors and the wider community.
(change wording to this) If you need your power off to do anything near a service line – that’s the line that connects a building on your property to our electricity network, you can arrange a temporary disconnection.
The bit for commercial customers could go under the power disconnections part?