Trees

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 were introduced in January 2004 by the Ministry of Economic Development to help protect public safety and supply of power.

The objective of the Regulations is to "promote uninterrupted supply of electricity by reducing outages, fluctuations in electricity supply and other hazards, including the risks of fire and human injury caused by the proximity of trees to electricity lines".

Trees can and do interrupt power supply when they grow too close to lines. This is currently the major cause of faults on the networks that PowerNet manages in times of bad weather. Trees too close to lines can also become a dangerous hazard with the potential to cause power surges and appliance damage, power failure, fire, electric shock or electrocution. Children climbing trees close to power lines is especially dangerous.

Please note: Never approach broken lines. If you see damage to the network or PowerNet's electrical equipment please keep yourself and other people well away from any wires or damaged equipment if possible. Call PowerNet faults on 0800 808 587. It is better to report damage or anything untoward even if you are not sure if it is damaged than leaving what could be a potentially dangerous situation. We will appreciate your call.

PowerNet is committed to complying with the Regulations and to keeping our networks safe. PowerNet has arrangements with specialised vegetation maintenance contractors to complete an ongoing programme of continuous inspection ensuring that our networks comply with the Regulations to keep trees away from power lines.

Find out more about:

• The Regulations and how they affect you
• Tree owners responsibilities
• PowerNet's responsibilities
• Approved contractors