Power Pole Defect Notice Rectification NSW

A private power pole defect notice is issued when a privately owned pole, powerline or associated electrical asset is identified as unsafe, damaged or requiring rectification. Common defects can include timber rot, termite damage, corrosion, leaning poles, damaged overhead wires, vegetation clearance issues and faults with consumer mains or electrical fittings.

You may receive a defect notice after an inspection identifies a safety, electrical or bushfire risk involving private electrical assets on your property. Across NSW, defect notices may be issued by electricity networks including Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy. The notice should identify the defect and the action required to rectify it.

The timeframe depends on the network operator and the individual notice, so always follow the dates shown on your defect notice. For Ausgrid, property owners must respond within 30 days and advise that the work has been completed or will be completed within 60 days of the notice date. Essential Energy also requires customers to advise their intended action within 30 days and generally complete rectification within 60 days. Endeavour Energy specifies the required timeframe on its individual Report of Inspection – Customer Defect.

Not necessarily. A defect notice can relate to the pole itself, overhead powerlines, vegetation clearances, electrical fittings, consumer mains or another part of the private electrical installation. Where a timber pole has significant rot, termite damage or structural deterioration, or a steel pole has advanced corrosion or damage, private power pole replacement may be required. Other defects may be able to be rectified without replacing the entire pole.

It depends on the defect. If the required work involves disconnection or reconnection of the electricity supply, service lines, consumer mains or other contestable network connection work, appropriately authorised Level 2 electrical works may be required. Other defects may only require a licensed electrician, qualified tree contractor or another appropriately qualified contractor.

The property owner is generally responsible for maintaining privately owned power poles and powerlines and arranging and paying for required defect rectification. Ausgrid and Essential Energy both state that owners are responsible for arranging qualified contractors to complete work on defective private electrical assets.

Failing to rectify a defect within the required timeframe can result in further action from the electricity network. Depending on the network and safety risk, this can include disconnection of the electricity supply or the network arranging rectification works and recovering the associated costs from the property owner.

The cost depends on the defect and work required. Factors can include whether the pole needs repair or replacement, pole material and height, site access, ground conditions, overhead line works, Level 2 electrical requirements and specialist equipment. A minor electrical defect will have a very different scope from complete private power pole replacement, so an assessment of the defect notice and property is normally required before an accurate quote can be provided.

Potentially. If the existing pole location conflicts with a driveway, renovation, building works or property access, it may be possible to combine the defect rectification with a power pole relocation or upgrade. The proposed new location, electrical connection, clearances and Level 2 requirements need to be assessed before determining the best solution.

Receiving a defect notice does not automatically mean your electricity will immediately be disconnected. However, defects involving an immediate safety risk may require urgent action and the network may disconnect supply where necessary to protect people or property. Always follow the instructions and timeframe on the notice and arrange an assessment as soon as possible.

Send a clear copy of the defect notice, the property address, photos of the affected pole or powerlines, photos of the pole base and surrounding area, and images showing access to the property. This helps Power Poles NSW understand the identified defect, site conditions and likely repair, replacement or Level 2 electrical requirements before determining the next step.