Managing trees near power lines If your tree's are touching or growing dangerously close to power lines and you need advice about tree trimming, EA Networks are here to help INFORMATION ON THE ELECTRICITY (HAZARDS FROM TREES) REGULATIONS 2003 FOR EA NETWORKS CUSTOMERS . Apply for a Dispensation Apply to EA Networks for a dispensation from cutting or trimming the tree. EA Networks will communicate its decision on the terms of any dispensation within S working days. Purpose of regulations The purpose of these Regulations is to protect the safety of the public and the security of electricity supply by * Prescribing minimum distances between power lines and trees: what is a Cut or Trim Notice'? .Establishing who is responsible for cutting or trimming trees f EA Networks becomes aware of a tree encroaching the . Go to Arbitration If a dispensation is not granted or where there is disagreement over the terms of dispensation, take the matter to arbitration. Growth Limit Zone, it will give notice in writing to the tree owner that the tree must be cut or trimmed. close to power lines; and penalties if the are not complied with; Tree owners response to a Cut or Trim Notice Providing an arbitration system to resolve disputes. Act on Notice Cut or trim the tree within a maximum of 45 working days of notice issue so that the tree does not encroach the Notice Zone. Only competent workers using an approved code of Danger of trees near power lines Safety of the public is paramount. There is a real temptation for young children to climb trees and where these trees are close to power lines, there is always the risk of serious injury or even death. Trees in windy or snow conditions can also cause power lines to clash, disrupting supply to customers and can, when conditions are dry, result in serious fines. Cutting and trimming trees in the vicinity of power lines can also result in serious injury or even death. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that only competent workers using an approved code of practice cut the trees well back from any power lines practice should undertake all trimming. erAdvise EA Networks You must provide EA Networks with at least 3 working days' notice of the time and location of the cutting or trimming of the tree You may also respond on the same basis as to a Hazard Warning Notice. In other words, the tree owner may: - Give a No Interest" Notice. -Apply for a Dispensation. - Go to Arbitration. What is a 'Hazard Warning Notice? Notice in writing that it has come to EA Networks attention that a tree (or trees) encroaches the "Notice Zone" or the "Growth Limit Zone. It it does, EA Networks will immediately issue a Regulations provide for heavy fines Cut or Trim Notice" A tree owner who has been given a "Cut or Trim Notice" and fails to cut or trim the tree, or fails to advise EA Networks of the time Growth Limit Zone is the trees must not encroach even in windy or snow conditions (Refer and location of cutting or trimming of the tree, may be liable on Tree B" in diagram). Notice Zone means a distance of one metre summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and the beyond the Growth Limit Zone (Refer Tree A" in diagram). Tree owners response to a Hazard Warning Notice .Cut or trim the tree/trees space around the power line where l offence is a continuing one, a further fine not exceeding $500 for every day which the offence continues No proceedings may be taken if the tree owner has applied for a dispensation from EA Networks or where a dispute with respect to the tree concerned has been referred to an arbitrator. Make arrangements with EA Networks or another contractor to cut or trim the tree to ensure that they do not encroach the "Growth Limit Zone EA Networks provides a free expert service to advise you on your cutting requirements and safety. . Give a "No Interest" Notice Provide EA Networks with a "No Interest" tree notice, in which case EA Networks For further information phone EA Networks' on 0800 430 460 or visit EA Networks' website at www.eanetworks.co.nz may remove the tree at its cost. Notice Zone Growth Limit Zone Notice Zone 5.0 metres 3.5 metres 3.0 metres 1.5 metres Overhead Line Type Growth Limit Zone 4.0 metres 2.5 metres 2.0 metres 0.5 metres 66kV (high voltage) 33kV (high voltage) 22kV (high voltage) 400V/230V (low voltage) NOTICEi 1. These distances are from the power line, not the power pole. 2. These distances are a minimum and apply to all conditions including high wind or snow. TREE B EA networks EA Networks is the trading name of Electricity Ashburton Limited