Reducing the threat of trees and branches crashing through power poles and lines during storms, as seen recently during ex-tropical cyclone Dovi, is a constant battle for the country’s second largest electricity utility, Powerco.
Trees in lines cause 25% of all power cuts – that’s 70,000 customers without power each year because of trees on Powerco’s electricity network, which covers Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Manawatū and Wairarapa.
That’s why it’s so important for property owners to keep trees clear of overhead lines, Powerco Senior Vegetation Manager Colin Winch says.
Much of Powerco’s extensive North Island network crosses some of the country’s toughest rural terrain, which is at its most vulnerable during storms.
“If left uncut, and allowed to grow close to power lines, trees can be a serious hazard – not only causing power cuts for your community, but there’s the risk of electrocution, serious injuries or fires,” he says.
However, unlike power poles and lines, trees do not belong to Powerco or any other electricity company. Under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003, property owners – whether that’s on lifestyle blocks, farm or in town – are legally required to keep trees a minimum safe distance away from overhead lines.
“Keeping trees clear of lines ensures a safer, more reliable network for us all,” Colin Winch says.
Powerco crews monitor trees growing close to power lines and will send a ‘cut or trim notice’ to tree owners if they identify a tree that is too close to power lines.
“If it’s your first time, we’ll cover the reasonable cost of the first cut if your tree hasn’t previously been cut by a Powerco contractor. It’s important to remember though that only approved contractors may cut or trim trees within 4m of power lines.
“If you’ve previously had your tree trimmed and this is another ‘cut or trim notice’ from us, you must arrange for an approved contractor to carry out the work at your cost and within the timeframe on the notice.”
If the tree owner fails to do this, they can be fined up to $10,000 and a further $500 per day until the work is done. They may also be liable for costs associated with damaged power lines or equipment caused by their tree.
With thousands of kilometres of power lines connecting remote communities, much negotiating rugged terrain, it can take longer to restore power to these rural areas following a storm than in an urban location, Powerco Customer Experience Manager Haydn Davies explains.
“As with any other business, it’s important that as part of business continuity planning, farming operations take into account the possibility of power outages, including considering having a generator and extra fuel on hand.
“If you do have an unplanned power cut, ensure you log the fault with your energy retailer – the company you pay your power bill to – and let them know the ICP numbers for each of your properties. It’s quite common for a fault crew to turn up at a farmhouse, when the outage is actually in the milking shed some distance away, or vice versa.”
- The web page www.powerco.co.nz/safety/electricity-safety/trees-near-lines has plenty of information about tree trimming, including a breakdown on safe distances between trees and lines, based on voltage, and how to find an approved contractor.
Look up and beware of overhead lines
Horticultural workers have some of the highest rates of injury and death from power lines. That’s because orchards often have overhead lines running through them, so there’s significant risk of you or your equipment accidentally touching lines. People and equipment must stay 4m away from overhead lines – electricity can jump to your equipment and to you.