TREES, YOUR SAFETY AND POWER SUPPLY Trees too close to powerlines can cause power surges, power outages, fire and if a person touches a tree that's in contact with a powerline they can get an electric shock. To protect the safety of the public and the security of the power supply, there are legal requirements under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003. This sets out what distances trees and other vegetation must be kept from power lines so they don't cause outages or safety issues and whose responsibility this is. The table shows the legal minimum space surrounding power lines that must be kept clear of trees: Voltage 400/230V 11kV 33kV 50 to 66kV 66kV or greater Growth Limit Zone (for spans of up to 150 metres) 0.5 metres 1,6 metres Northpower TOP ENERGY HINIK 2.5 metres 3 metres 4 metres Who is responsible? Property owners are legally responsible to keep trees clear of lines and outside the growth limit zone, at their own expense. If you are a tree owner who is given a cut or trim notice and you fail to get the tree cut or trimmed, or fail to advise us when the tree will be cut or trimmed, you could receive a fine of up to $10,000 plus up to $500 for every day the offence continues. What do I do if vegetation is near the Network lines? 1 Check if your trees are growing near network lines-please don't put any measurement tools near power lines. 2. Do the trees look like they're near the Notice or Growth limit zone? No? You're good for now-keep an eye on them- especially if you have a fast growing tree or bamboo. Yes? Cutting and trimming trees near powerlines can lead to electric shocks. If there are trees near your lines call: Whangarei and Kaipara district Northpower -0800 10 40 40-northpower.com/trees Far North: Top Energy-0800 867 363 - topenergy.co.nz/trees 3. We will come and advise you of the next steps. The first cut or trim may be free. Over 25% of outages in Northland are caused by vegetation We regularly carry out tree surveys and inspect our powerlines, and do our best to let you know if your vegetation is getting too close to the network lines - but we also need you to keep an eye out. Don't be the person who puts your neighbours' lights out. www.topenergy.co.nz www.northpower.com Notice Zone 1.5 metres 2.6 metres 3.5 metres 4 metres 5 metres Never get closer than 4m from powerlines The minimum opproach Notice Zone Growth in What do I do if vegetation is near my service line? A service line is the main power line that connects your property to the network. This line is owned by you and not covered by the tree regulations - however you are still responsible to keep trees and vegetation clear of this line. We can provide a temporary safety disconnection to your power so that you can safely trim these trees yourself. Consider calling the professionals who can safety get the job done, especially for large trees and vegetation. Whangarei and Kaipara district: Northpower 0800 10 40 40 northpower.com/trees Far North: Top Energy topenergy.co.nz/trees 0800 867 363 TREES , YOUR SAFETY AND POWER SUPPLY Trees too close to powerlines can cause power surges , power outages , fire and if a person touches a tree that's in contact with a powerline they can get an electric shock . To protect the safety of the public and the security of the power supply , there are legal requirements under the Electricity ( Hazards from Trees ) Regulations 2003. This sets out what distances trees and other vegetation must be kept from power lines so they don't cause outages or safety issues and whose responsibility this is . The table shows the legal minimum space surrounding power lines that must be kept clear of trees : Voltage 400 / 230V 11kV 33kV 50 to 66kV 66kV or greater Growth Limit Zone ( for spans of up to 150 metres ) 0.5 metres 1,6 metres Northpower TOP ENERGY HINIK 2.5 metres 3 metres 4 metres Who is responsible ? Property owners are legally responsible to keep trees clear of lines and outside the growth limit zone , at their own expense . If you are a tree owner who is given a cut or trim notice and you fail to get the tree cut or trimmed , or fail to advise us when the tree will be cut or trimmed , you could receive a fine of up to $ 10,000 plus up to $ 500 for every day the offence continues . What do I do if vegetation is near the Network lines ? 1 Check if your trees are growing near network lines - please don't put any measurement tools near power lines . 2. Do the trees look like they're near the Notice or Growth limit zone ? No ? You're good for now - keep an eye on them- especially if you have a fast growing tree or bamboo . Yes ? Cutting and trimming trees near powerlines can lead to electric shocks . If there are trees near your lines call : Whangarei and Kaipara district Northpower -0800 10 40 40-northpower.com/trees Far North : Top Energy - 0800 867 363 - topenergy.co.nz/trees 3. We will come and advise you of the next steps . The first cut or trim may be free . Over 25 % of outages in Northland are caused by vegetation We regularly carry out tree surveys and inspect our powerlines , and do our best to let you know if your vegetation is getting too close to the network lines - but we also need you to keep an eye out . Don't be the person who puts your neighbours ' lights out . www.topenergy.co.nz www.northpower.com Notice Zone 1.5 metres 2.6 metres 3.5 metres 4 metres 5 metres Never get closer than 4m from powerlines The minimum opproach Notice Zone Growth in What do I do if vegetation is near my service line ? A service line is the main power line that connects your property to the network . This line is owned by you and not covered by the tree regulations - however you are still responsible to keep trees and vegetation clear of this line . We can provide a temporary safety disconnection to your power so that you can safely trim these trees yourself . Consider calling the professionals who can safety get the job done , especially for large trees and vegetation . Whangarei and Kaipara district : Northpower 0800 10 40 40 northpower.com/trees Far North : Top Energy topenergy.co.nz/trees 0800 867 363