Safe service lines
Keeping your service line safe
The power line that runs from the street to your house is called a service line. It can be overhead or underground, and if not properly maintained, it can become a serious safety hazard.
This page explains what to look out for, who’s responsible, and what to do if you notice an issue.
Who is responsible for the service line?
Property owners are responsible for the power lines, poles, and underground cables that carry electricity from Northpower’s network into their home or building.
In most cases, the service line starts at the property boundary. If you’re unsure where your responsibility begins, please contact us
⚠️ Shared service lines: If the service line is shared between multiple properties, maintenance and safety are shared responsibilities between neighbours.<
Maintaining your service line
It’s important to regularly check your service line and poles. If anything looks damaged or unusual, get it assessed — it’s much safer (and cheaper) to fix an issue before it becomes dangerous.
⚠️ Look out for:
- Leaning poles or low-hanging wires
- Frayed, sagging, or damaged lines
- Rotten or crooked crossarms
- Signs of rot at the base of poles
- Trees growing close to service lines
- Old or worn wiring at the point where the line enters your home
Trees near your service line
Overgrown trees near service lines can cause flickering lights, outages, or even fires.
Northpower can help you stay safe while managing vegetation. You can book a free temporary disconnection online via our Service Centre or give us a call.
Never attempt to trim trees within 4 metres of any power line – always use a qualified contractor.
Unsafe service lines
While Northpower carries out regular safety inspections on our network, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their own service lines.
If we identify any risks on your property during our checks, we’ll let you know what needs to be done to make it safe.
If you have concerns:
- Contact us
- Or speak to your electrician
- For physical repairs, use an approved contractor (see below)
Northpower approved contractors
2 Ducks Contracting
Phone 021 431 899
2duckscontracting@gmail.com
Bright Power
Phone 021 623 127
leslie@brightpower.net.nz
McKay
Phone 0274 589 307
joel.freeman@mckay.co.nz
MEC Electric
Phone 021 468 855
mecelectric.north@gmail.com
Northland Power Services
Phone 021 195 6099
admin@northlandpowerservices.co.nz
Stay safe around our network
Safe guy wires
Working around electricity at home
