POWER LINE EASEMENTS

Power suppliers have a primary objective to provide a safe, reliable and adequate supply of electricity at the lowest practicable cost. Electricity is produced in power stations and is transmitted in bulk over a statewide network of transmission lines to substations where it is sold to County Councils for distribution to customers.

The transmission network includes lines operating at . voltages ranging from 33 000 volts (33 kv) to 500 000 volts (500 kv). You must obtain permission from your energy provider before you construct any improvement of carry out an activity on the easement.

WHAT IS AN EASEMENT

An easement is essentially a right of way along the route of a transmission line. Easements vary in width depending upon the operating voltage and design of the transmission line.


Easements are acquired for 2 reasons:

  1. to protect members of the public by controlling activities under or near the line which could by accident or otherwise, create an unsafe situation.
  2. to enable the power authority to construct, reconstruct, operate and maintain its lines.

From a valuation point of view it is necessary to know what activities are allowed on the easement. The following is a general guide only. The owner should seek approval from the power authority before construction of an improvement or carrying out any activity on the easement.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE CONTROLLED ON THE EASEMENT?

The following activities MAY BE PERMITTED within or partially within easement areas subject to prior approval from the power authority. For further advice on these activities we ask that you contact the power authority in your area.

  1. Burning off or the lighting of fires




2. The operation of mobile plant or equipment having a height when fully extended exceeding 4.3 metres.

3. The installation of utility services such as low voltage electricity, telephone and water, whether overhead, underground or on the surface.

4. The construction of outbuildings including sheds, stables, garages and carports, where there is no suitable site clear of the easement area. (Encroachments beyond (three) 3 metres will not be allowed).

5. The construction of unroofed verandahs and pergolas attached to residences

6. The development of public sporting and recreational facilities

7. The development of subdivisions for residential or industrial purposes

8. The construction of roads

9. The construction of inground or above-ground swimming pools, where there is no suitable site clear of the easement area. (Encroachments beyond 4.5 metres or closer than 30 metres to a transmission line support structure will not be allowed).

  1. The construction of tennis courts





11. Excavation

  1. The erection of fencing.




In some areas where the transmission line conductors (wires) are higher above the ground than usual, such as over gullies or gorges, the height restrictions in this unit may be relaxed. Advice should be sought from your local authority if this is the case.

Some activities cannot be allowed in an easement area. This is done both for your safety and for the continued safe operation of the transmission line. These PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES are listed below.

1. The construction of houses, buildings or other substantial structures or parts thereof.

2. The installation of fixed plant or equipment.

  1. The storage of flammable liquids or explosives.




4. The placing of garbage, refuse or fallen timber.


5. The planting or cultivation of trees or shrubs which grow to a height exceeding four (4) metres.


6. The placing of obstructions of any type within fifteen (15) metres of any transmission line structure or supporting guy.

  1. The flying of kites or model aircraft.

REMEMBER... ELECTRICITY CAN SPARK ACROSS FROM TRANSMISSION LINES SO EVEN A CLOSE APPROACH CAN BE DANGEROUS.



WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE ALLOWED WITHIN EASEMENTS?


The activities listed here are generally permitted within transmission line easements provided that access is available to structures at all times, no obstruction is placed within fifteen (15) metres of a structure or supporting guy and a continuous and unobstructed access way 4.5 metres wide is retained along the entire length of the easement.

This is to assist us in our regular maintenance and also in emergency repair work.

  1. Gardening activities provided that trees, shrubs and plants do not grow to a height n exceeding four (4) metres. The authority can provide guidance on suitable species.

  1. The parking of vehicles provided that their height does not exceed 4.3 metres and that adequate precautions are taken to protect structures from accidental damage.



3. The storage of nonflammable materials subject to a height limitation of 2.5 metres.

4. The erection of minor structures such as clothes hoists, barbecues and the like provided that they do not exceed 2.5 metres in height and that metallic parts are earthed.





  1. The operation of mobile plant and equipment provided that their height does not exceed 4.3 metres and that adequate precautions are taken to protect structures from accidental damage.



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