TREES AND YOUR POWER SUPPLY

An Introduction to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003

Purpose of the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003

The purpose of these Regulations is to protect the safety of the public and the security of electricity supply by:

  • Prescribing minimum distances between power lines and trees;
  • Establishing rules for who is responsible for cutting or trimming trees close to power lines;
  • Outlining liability if the rules and Regulations are not complied with; and
  • Providing an arbitration system for disputes between electricity lines companies and tree owners over the operation of the regulations.

Your electricity lines company (Westpower) relies on the common sense of its customers to "do the right thing" and ensure that trees on their property are not allowed to grow in close proximity to power lines. However on occasion, Westpower will be left with no alternative but to use the regulations to ensure that safety and security of supply are maintained. The regulations provide Westpower with the ability to issue a range of notices to support these objectives. This article is an introduction from Westpower to the regulations.

Further information can be found by contacting Westpower on 0800 768 242.

Danger of Trees Near Power Lines

Safety of the public is paramount to Westpower. Trees in contact with power lines are a safety hazard, with the potential for causing injury or even death by electrocution if someone touches a tree made "live" by a power line. Trees in windy or stormy conditions can cause power cuts. Your power supply may be disrupted when trees or branches break damaging poles, power lines or other structures. Similarly, when conditions are dry trees near power lines can cause serious fires. Remember - you don't have to touch a live line to receive a shock!

Dangers of Cutting Trees Near Power Lines

Cutting and trimming trees in the vicinity of power lines is dangerous. Touching the live power line or a tree close to the line, can result in serious injury or even death by electrocution. You can contact Westpower to either disconnect your power before starting work or Westpower can refer you to specialised contractors fully qualified and experienced in tree trimming around live power lines.

Planting Trees Near Power lines

Serious consideration should be given to the species and placement of trees on your property to ensure they do not interfere with the power lines now and in the future. (Refer to Tree "A" in the diagram). Remember - that lovely little shrub you planted may become a 5 metre monster in a few years.

Zones

The Electricity (Hazards From Trees) Regulations 2003 state exactly how close trees may come to power lines before cutting or trimming is required. These measurements or Zones are known as the Notice Zone and the Growth Limit Zone. The Growth Limit Zone is the space around the power line where trees must not encroach even in windy or stormy conditions. The Notice Zone is one metre beyond the Growth Limit Zone (Refer to Diagram).

tree image

OVERHEAD LINE
 NOTICE ZONE GROWTH LIMIT ZONE
33kV - High Voltage
3.5 metres
2.5 metres
11kV - High Voltage
2.6 metres
1.6 metres
400V / 230 - Low Voltage
1.5 metres
1/2metre

Notes:
1. The above distances are from power line.
2. Distances must be maintained under all conditions eg. High wind.
3. Low voltage is the power line between the house/building and Westpower's Transformer.

Notices

If Westpower becomes aware of a tree encroaching into the Growth Limit Zone, it will give notice in writing to the land owner that the tree must be cut or trimmed:

  • If the tree is on Road Reserve - An Amenity Tree Interest notice
  • If the tree is on private porperty the owner/occupier will receive either a Service Line
    Notice or a Cut/Trim notice.

    • New Regulations Provide for Heavy Fines

    A tree owner who has been given a Cut or Trim Notice and fails to cut or trim the tree so that it does not encroach the Notice Zone, or fails to advise Westpower of the time and location of cutting or trimming of the tree, may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and if the offence is a continuing one, a further fine not exceeding $500 for every day which the offence continues. No proceedings may be taken if the tree owner has applied for a dispensation from Westpower or where a dispute with respect to the tree concerned has been referred to an arbitrator.

    Remember - this is a good time to be proactive!

    Note: Are you aware that you may be liable for all costs associated with any damage or power outages caused to Westpower's network (power lines) by your trees?

    What happens if I'm a Tree Owner?

    Electronet, Westpower's contractor will issue you with a Tree Notice describing what work is required.

    Responsibility for cutting

    Responsibility for costs of cutting or trimming will depend on the circumstances of each case, but after the first cut it will usually rest with the tree owner. What must I do if I receive a Amenity Tree Interest Notice? If you want to adopt the tree and pay for its maintenance - return the Amenity Tree Interest Notice. If you do not want to adopt the tree and pay for its maintenance - do nothing.

    What must I do if I receive a Service Line Notice?

    Contact Electronet Services to arrange the first trim of your tree. What must I do if I receive a Cut/Trim Notice? Either cut or trim the tree within 10 or 25 days (dependant on the growth rate) or return the No Interest/Vegetation Notice and Westpower will trim or remove the tree
    at it’s discretion. (Remember: the cut or trim must be undertaken by a contractor approved by Westpower.

    What must I do if I am a Shelterbelt Owner?

    If you have a shelter belt on your property, continue to trim as you have in the past. Make arrangements with Westpower or other approved contractors to cut or trim the shelterbelt to ensure that the trees do not encroach the Notice Zone. Note: The first free cut and trim may not apply due to past agreements under the Shelterbelt Code of Practice.

    If I ignore the Notice?

    You may miss out on a free cut or trim and may be charged for any work needed to clear the trees from the power lines. Under the Regulations Westpower must remove any immediate danger posed by trees near power lines that are causing a serious hazard to persons or property. You may be liable for the costs of this work if you have received a previous warning of the potential danger created by the tree or could have failed to comply with terms of a notice. Refer The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 (regulation 14).

    Failure to grant access could void any entitlement

    And then?

    Once a signed copy of the Notice has been received, Westpower will schedule your
    tree to be cut by Westpower's contractor.

    DOING NOTHING DOES NOT REMOVE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY