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Work safely near power lines and underground cables

If you are concerned about the safety of any power lines, please call us on 0800 430 460.

Coming into contact with power lines can be fatal or lead to serious injury. Be aware of the dangers of power lines and keep yourself safe.

If you need to work near power lines or poles, you must first apply to us for a Close Approach Consent, either by using our Online Form or by downloading our Close Approach Consent Application. The consent will set out detailed safety information.

Close approach requests must be submitted at least five days prior to work being undertaken.

When working near power lines:

  • Treat all lines as live at all times.
  • DO NOT go near or touch a downed line.
  • DO NOT climb any power pole or pylon.
  • LOOK UP before handling long objects or using mechanical plant. High-voltage electricity can jump across gaps - you don't need to touch the lines to get killed.
  • BE SAFE when trimming trees so that they don't fall into power lines.
  • DO NOT excavate around power poles without speaking to us first.

There is a code of practice that sets out safety distances and that must be followed. NZECP:34 - the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice 34 - Safety Distances. This code of practice:

  • Requires any person who carries out any work near power lines or poles to maintain safe distances.
  • States a minimum safe approach distance of 4m for any mechanical plant or scaffolding. We may permit a lesser distance where we are satisfied that safety will not be compromised.
  • States that where any work is to be done within 5m of a tower, pole or stay wire, we must provide consent in writing before any excavation is carried out. Temporary support of the pole may be required during excavation.

High load consent and excavating

High load consents

If you plan to move any tall structure like a house or large machinery, you must first apply in writing for a high load consent so we can check your proposed route and see if it's clear. We will then advise you accordingly.

You can request a high load consent below.


Request a high load consent

Excavating near power lines

If you are excavating near a power line, you must be particularly careful not to disturb the ground around the poles, causing them to become unstable. Power poles have strains placed on them from the weight of the overhead conductors. Any lowering of the depth of the ground around a pole can weaken the support of the pole, causing it to fall. If in doubt, give us a call to discuss your plans on 0800 430 460.

Work safely near underground cables

Before you dig

Buried power cables can be extremely dangerous. Always check for underground services before you start digging.

Before carrying out excavation work:

  • Check plans and information from all utility providers, including EA Networks.
  • Use a cable locator or cable locating contractor to confirm the location of underground cables. Plans are a useful guide but should not be relied on alone. EA Networks also offers onsite, accurate cable location services to help you avoid damaging power lines, which can be dangerous and costly.
  • Use beforeudig, a free online service that provides information about cables, pipes and other utility assets around your proposed dig site.
  • Follow appropriate guidance for working safely around underground services.

If you're planning to dig, contact us first. We can help you understand what EA Networks information is available for the area.

Working near 66kV underground cables

EA Networks' 66kV underground cables form a critical part of our electricity network, providing essential supply to communities and businesses across the region.

Damage to these cables can have serious consequences, including risks to personal safety, widespread electricity outages and potentially lengthy repairs.

If you're planning excavation or other ground disturbance work near our 66 kV cables, it's important you contact us early so we can work with you to ensure the proposed works can be undertaken safely.

For any work within 2m of a 66 kV underground cable or within its designated corridor, we require a Work Method Statement to be submitted at least seven working days before work begins.

This allows us to review the proposed activities, assess any risks to the network and determine whether additional protection measures or an EA Networks representative on site are required.

Our aim is to keep you safe, protect our electricity network and help your project proceed without unnecessary delays.

EA Networks provides this review and stand over service free of charge.