Do you have a property pole on your property?
A property pole is a pole within your property's boundary that supports the overhead powerlines to your home or other buildings on your property that do not supply another customer. The poles are usually made of timber, concrete or steel and are owned by the property owner.
To help ensure the safety and reliability of your electricity supply, it is important that property owners, with the help of a licensed electrical contractor, regularly check and maintain property poles.
Property poles, powerlines and safety
Always stay a safe distance away from powerlines. When checking a property pole, the cross arm supporting the powerline, or the powerline itself, always check from the ground. Do not climb the pole. Do not touch the powerline.
If a powerline from the property pole to a building on your property falls to the ground, stay well clear and call Triple Zero (000).
Be aware of the location of any powerlines on or near your property. Whenever you are carrying long objects (especially metal) such as ladders, watch out for powerlines running overhead. Also, take care when you are cleaning gutters or working near the electrical connection point to a building or other structure.
Trees growing into or near powerlines are dangerous. They can bring down powerlines or interrupt your electricity supply. Generally, the clearing of trees away from privately owned powerlines is the responsibility of the property owner. Always contact a specialist tree trimmer in your area to carry out the work.
Read about our Plant Smart program for more information on vegetation management and how you can avoid using plants that may cause problems for powerlines.
Do you rent a property with a property pole
It is important that you notify the property owner or your rental agent immediately if you think that a property pole or powerline on the property you are renting requires maintenance or repair.
If the property owner or your rental agent does not take prompt action to ensure the pole or powerline is restored to serviceable condition, please contact Ergon Energy on 13 22 96, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Property pole maintenance
For safety and reliability of electricity supply it is important to maintain property poles.
Over time, poles can deteriorate through decay, termite damage or rust. If this occurs it can weaken the pole resulting in the pole leaning or falling over, potentially injuring people or damaging surrounding property.
A fallen pole may also bring down the powerline supplying electricity to your home or business. This is not only dangerous - as fallen powerlines can kill - but the electricity supply to your home will be interrupted until the pole can be replaced by your licensed electrical contractor.
How to check a property pole
Regularly inspect around the base of the pole to make sure there is no decay, sign of termites, rust or other damage.
If your pole has a cross arm (a structure attached near the top of the pole that supports the powerline) look at it from the ground and check that it appears to be in good condition.
If you suspect that the pole has rust, termite damage or decay at its base, or you are concerned about the cross arm or the general condition and/or safety of the pole, contact a licensed electrical contractor. Have them check the pole and repair it if necessary.
Have the pole inspected by a licensed electrical contractor at least every five years.
We can assist with providing details for an electrical asset inspector in your area who carries out this work on behalf of Ergon Energy, or you may wish to engage one of your choosing.
Public poles and powerlines
If you notice trees or other vegetation encroaching on public powerlines or power poles, or any other maintenance problems, contact us on 13 10 46 (7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday) so that we can come and check the situation and rectify it if necessary.
