Private overhead electric lines
Private overhead electric lines are owned by, and are the responsibility of private citizens
Private powerlines are your responsibility
It is your responsibility to regularly inspect your private overhead powerlines, ensuring they are well maintained and clear of trees and branches. This will allow for constant electricity supply, and reduce the possibility of electrocution or bushfires. For more information read our private overhead electric lines brochure.
Which are your powerlines? Which are ours?
- You are only responsible for your private powerlines
- Private powerlines begin at the point of supply
- After the point of supply all the wires, poles and any other electrical equipment on your property are your responsibility
- High voltage lines are the responsibility of the Jemena Electricity Network, even if they cross your property. We will keep them well maintained and free from vegetation
- If you are not sure whether your lines are private powerlines or high voltage lines please contact our Customer Service Desk on 1300 131 871
Why you should keep private powerlines well maintained
- To ensure the safety of you and your family
- To ensure a continuity of electricity supply to your property
- If a fault in your electrical installation causes injury or property damage, you could be involved in costly litigation
How to look after powerlines
Inspecting lines
Inspect your private powerlines annually or ask a registered electrical contractor to do it for you. Use binoculars or a telescope to inspect cable installation from the ground.
Warning – Under no circumstances climb a pole or approach the wires yourself. Contact with live wires can kill. Tree branches touching lines may also be live. Repairs should always be carried out by a registered electrical contractor.
Keep trees clear of powerlines
For trees which already exist near powerlines, advice should be sought from our Customer Service Desk on 1300 131 871 before you attempt to remove or trim.
Private overhead electric lines can be damaged by contact with trees and overhead limbs. Falling branches may cause the lines to clash or fall to the ground. This could start a bushfire or result in someone being electrocuted.
Minimum horizontal and vertical clearance required
In general, the minimum clearance space for vegetation required for private overhead electric lines is:
- Insulated wires – 1 meter
- Bare wires – 2 meters
The exact minimum clearance space required for vegetation is as per the current Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010. These can be viewed on the website of the Victorian Electricity Supply Regulator, Energy Safe Victoria.
Council Permits
If tree pruning is necessary and your property is in an area where a council planning permit is required before you cut a tree, you will need to comply with these regulations first unless Jemena serves written notice that urgent tree pruning is required.
Total fire ban
On days of total fire ban, Jemena may disconnect defective private overhead lines from its supply mains. This will further reduce the risk of fire. Reconnection will occur only after the severe weather conditions have subsided and charges may apply.
Underground powerlines are a better choice
Should your overhead powerlines be in a bushfire risk area and need substantial repair, Jemena may direct you to replace them with an underground cable.
An underground cable is far safer than an overhead line. It virtually eliminates the risk of starting a bushfire and the danger of electrocution through contact with tractors and other farm equipment is minimised.
Underground cables are more reliable and not damaged by storms or weather. Overhead powerlines continually need maintenance, whereas underground cables require very little commitment and no vegetation clearance.