Downed powerlines can kill.
Always treat powerlines and poles as live and stay at least 10m away - that's a bus length.
If you see downed powerlines, don’t go near them - it could be a lifesaver. Stay safe by keeping at least 10m away.
Call us on 0800 27 27 27 or call 111
Fallen lines
- All fallen lines should be treated as live
- Keep yourself, other people and animals at least 10m away from the line
- Stay away from trees or cars touching lines
- Do not try to rescue people or animals trapped by lines until they have been made safe
Vehicles and lines
- If a power line falls onto a car it may still be live and liven the car
- Do not try to rescue people from cars trapped by fallen lines
- Stay inside the car until help arrives and the line has been made safe
- If you are in danger and must exit the car, jump clear of the car keeping your feet together when you land. Do not touch the ground and the car at the same time. Once clear of the vehicle, shuffle away, keeping your feet together until you are at least 10 metres away
How we respond
Learn what we do when lines are down to keep you and our field crews safe.Electrical safety at home
Earth pegs
Your earth peg is an important part of your building's electrical safety system. It ensures that any electrical faults inside the building go into the ground, keeping the people inside safe from serious shocks. Never touch your earth peg.
Earth pegs are usually near your electricity meter. If your earth peg is damaged or worn contact an electrician to ensure it's safe.
Pillar boxes
If you're connected to our network by underground cable rather than overhead line, you'll have a pillar box on your boundary or roadside.Never touch your pillar box
If your pillar box is damaged or in a location where it could be damaged (by a car for instance), contact us for an assessment.
Protecting your equipment
We do our best but when power surges happen they can damage appliances. Use surge protectors to protect your appliances, such as computers, televisions and whiteware. If you experience a power surge, switch appliances off at the wall.If a power surge affects your appliances or internal wiring, contact your retailer (the company you pay your power bill to).
Safety around our assets on your property
Follow all safety or hazard notices displayed on our assets.
- Don’t touch assets.
- Don’t do anything that may damage assets.
- Keep trees at least 4m away from overhead lines.
- Don’t build or construct anything too close to assets.
Planning to do work around our assets
If you plan to do work near the Powerco equipment on your property, it’s essential that you or your contractors are working safely. Find out more about safety when working around electricity or gas equipment. Contractor safety
Contact us
Contact us if you have concerns about the condition of Powerco-owned assets on your property, or if you feel it is becoming a hazard.
