Trees too close to power lines can cause interruptions to your power supply and pose a risk of electrocution or fire.
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 clarify the responsibilities for trimming trees away from power lines and specify when trees should be trimmed.
The regulations set out:
- Minimum distances between power lines and adjacent trees.
- Who is responsible for keeping the trees trimmed away from power lines.
- An arbitration system for resolving disputes between tree owners and lines companies.
- Penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.
Minimum Growth Limits
Growth limits for the power lines owned by Counties Power are shown in the following diagram and table. Further information on other types of power lines can be found at www.med.govt.nz/ers/electric/tree-regulations/index.html.
Counties Power is continually surveying vegetation close to its power lines. If trees encroach within the Growth Limit Zone, Counties Power will issue a Cut or Trim Notice.
If you receive a Cut or Trim Notice, you must take one of the following courses of action:
- Have the tree trimmed outside of the Notice Zone and advise Counties Power of when you intend to carry out the work.
- Declare that you have no interest in the tree.
- Apply for a dispensation citing special circumstances.
If the tree poses an immediate danger to supply or safety, then Counties Power can cut or trim without first issuing a Cut or Trim Notice.
Counties Power is concentrating on dealing with trees inside the Growth Limit Zone but may issue Hazard Warning Notices for those trees in the Notice Zone as part of its tree-trimming programme.
No Interest Declaration
Even if a tree is on your land, you may be able to show that it is not part of a planned planting and that you have no interest in it. If you do declare no interest in the tree, then it becomes the responsibility of Counties Power to deal with it. You must, if necessary, allow Counties Power onto your land to deal with the tree in whatever way it chooses, which may include cutting it to ground level.
If you refuse to let Counties Power onto your land, then you are assuming responsibility for dealing with the tree under the regulations.
If You Disagree
In special circumstances, you may seek dispensation by making an application to Counties Power in writing within 5 days of receiving a Cut or Trim Notice. If a dispute arises, the Regulations allow for arbitration, with specialist arbitrators appointed by the Government.
Free First Cut
The regulations state that Counties Power should provide the first cut or trim at its expense. The tree owner is then responsible for subsequent cuts or trims. You could be fined for not heeding a Cut or Trim Notice.
Because the safety and security of supply to you and your neighbours is so important, the legislation provides for fines of up to $10,000 for convictions of the offence of not complying with Cut or Trim Notices.
Trees near Private Networks or Service Lines
Trees on private land close to private networks or service lines are not covered by the new regulations but for safety and reliability of supply, should also be kept clear of the service line. For your safety, Counties Power will disconnect and reconnect your service line free of charge during normal working hours to allow you to carry out the work safely.
Registering your trees enables Counties Power to monitor growth patterns on your behalf more effectively.
- Tree Contractors approved to work on our network are:
- Counties Power Construction Tree Services 0800 100 202
- Franklin Tree Services 0800 272624
- Counties Tree Control Bus 0274 882 817 A/Hrs 238 3550
Call the Counties Power Customer Care team on 0800 100 202 if you would like any more information on the requirements of the Tree Regulations.