By law, trees and vegetation must be kept a safe distance from powerlines. The reasons for this are to:
- Keep the community safe.
- Stop powerlines from being damaged.
- Maintain reliable power supply
- Prevent fires and power outages.
Vegetation clearance for low-risk powerlines
SA Power Networks worked with stakeholders to support changes to legislation in 2010 to allow vegetation to grow through low voltage (LV) powerlines under certain conditions to enhance the streetscape and improve visual appeal. This approach has been strongly supported by local councils and the community.
What does this mean?
Trees and low voltage powerlines can safely coexist where the level of risk allows reduced trimming. This approach demonstrates SA Power Networks’ commitment to urban greening while maintaining a safe and reliable supply to our customers.
Key factors include:
- Area is required to be designated non-bushfire risk in the Regulations;
- 24-hour availability of emergency services;
- Population density;
- Built-up or urban area; and
This approach will not alter the frequency of inspections and vegetation clearance, which will continue to be once every three years in non-bushfire risk areas. However, it may result in vegetation ‘growing through’ or touching the low voltage powerlines when this is considered to be low risk.
Benefits include:
- Maintains safety of the electricity network
- Improved streetscape and visual amenity of street trees
- Reduces the amount of tree trimming required around low voltage powerlines, which limits costs that are ultimately paid for by consumers
- Meets community expectations for improved visual outcomes
- Reduces customer complaints regarding extent of vegetation trimming
- Recognises the value of trees in urban and large regional centres.
Our duty to manage vegetation clearance is pursuant to the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2021, which require us to maintain a focus on safety and reliability, as regulated under the Electricity Act 1996.
This legislation is administered by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR), which we are required to comply with.
For more information, you can read about this approach in the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2021.
Have you seen something unsafe?
Please contact our Faults and Emergencies Department on 13 13 66 if you notice anything unsafe, including powerlines with broken wires, damage from falling or low hanging branches or powerlines that are smoking or sparking.