We want to keep you safe while you're working near the electricity assets on our network.
That's why from 19 May 2025, only businesses can apply for close approach consents. This means individual property owners will need to engage a third-party contractor to do the work under a close approach consent on their behalf.
How close is too close?
Close approach consents are required for:
- All work within four metres of our overhead lines and underground cables
- Excavating within five metres of a power pole
Close approach consent applies to all works at these distances, including tree trimming by hand.
How long does it take to get approval?
Your chosen professional must submit the close approach application on your behalf. Allow up to four working days for close approach requests to be processed.
The consent will set out the minimum safe distances they can work, and any other safety measures required.
We've outlined the Close Approach Application process here.
Need a temporary disconnection instead?
If you want to do maintenance near the customer service lines on your property, you can request a temporary disconnection of power.
Customer service lines are the low-voltage power lines, poles and other assets owned by the customer that supply electricity to their house and other buildings on the property.
This is a different process to the close approach process. Learn more here.
