Small business

Private powerlines

Your responsibilities
Where does the private powerline begin?
Vegetation management around powerlines
How can Aurora help you?
Private powerline safety checklist
Further information and contacts

Your responsibilities

Aurora does not own and maintain all overhead powerlines. Generally, low voltage powerlines supplying an installation on private property are privately owned and maintained.

If you have a private powerline, it is your responsibility to organise regular inspections and fix any defects. This will ensure a reliable power supply, reduce the risk of electrocution or bushfires and keep your powerlines safe. Where safety standards are not maintained, Aurora has a responsibility and statutory authority to disconnect the supply.

Where does the private powerline begin?

Aurora is progressively fixing a yellow 'Private Pole' sign to each private pole in order to assist you in their identification. Generally speaking, if a power pole is supplying your private property then the point at which the Aurora powerline connects to the first pole or structure it is a private pole. This first pole or structure and all subsequent poles, lines and pole-top fittings are your responsibility.

If your property is supplied by a high voltage powerline and transformer off the public road, it may be a private line and you should seek Aurora's advice as to its maintenance and repair.

Vegetation management around powerlines

By allowing the trees on your property to come into contact with the powerlines that supply your electricity, you could be legally responsible for damage caused by any fire that results. Keeping trees clear of powerlines will protect your assets, avoid costly compensation and prevent power supply interruptions.

How can Aurora help you?

To assist customers to maintain their private powerlines, Aurora Energy provides a free inspection and test of private power poles up to the customer's meter in conjunction with the testing of Aurora-owned poles. It should be noted that it is the customer's responsibility to arrange for the testing of poles past the metering position.

If the accredited Aurora Energy powerline inspector identifies any pole-top defect or condemns a pole following the standard pole test procedure, the customer is advised in writing of the identified defect and the action required to rectify the problem.

As a private powerline owner, you are required to have the identified defect rectified within the time specified in the notification letter.

Private powerline safety checklist

Prevent fire damage to poles by keeping vegetation clear of the base of the poles
Keep trees on your property well clear of powerlines
Look for obvious line defects such as broken strands or loose or damaged insulators, and arrange repairs immediately
Check for broken or damaged pole stay-wires and arrange repairs
Arrange for regular inspection of your private power poles

Further information and contacts

You can view further information on private power poles or powerlines on our website. Alternatively, you can phone the Aurora Customer Service Centre on 1300 13 2003 or contact us via our customer feedback form.