Where the network stops and you start
Every connection has a point where the network's responsibility ends, usually where the service line attaches to your house or to a private pole. Ausgrid describes property owners as responsible for all electrical assets beyond its connection point, including private power poles, powerlines and pole-top fittings.
Service line straight to the house
- No private pole or overhead line to maintain
- Trees near the service line may still be your job
Private pole on your land
- Common on rural blocks and long driveways
- You maintain the pole, fittings and lines
- Shared poles are a joint responsibility of the properties they serve
Inspections and defect notices
In bushfire-prone areas, networks inspect private poles. Ausgrid issues a defect notice if it finds damage, and if the owner does not fix it, may do the work and recover the cost or disconnect supply to remove the danger. In Victoria, Powercor and CitiPower say they inspect private overhead lines up to the first switchboard at least once every three years, while the owner remains responsible for maintenance.
Who can do the work
In NSW, work on private poles and overhead lines must be done by a suitably accredited service provider. In other states, a licensed electrical contractor with the right qualifications. Your network can tell you who is allowed to do the repair.
Looking after a private pole
- Keep trees and branches well clear of the lines. See trees near powerlines.
- Look for rot at ground level, leaning, cracked cross-arms or sagging lines after storms.
- Do not pour concrete around the base, which can hide rot and block inspections.
- If you are buying a rural property, ask whether there are private poles and when they were last inspected.
Common questions
If it only serves your property and sits beyond the network's connection point, you do. Poles carrying the network's mains to other properties belong to the network, even on private land.
The property owner. Get quotes from a contractor accredited or licensed for overhead work in your state, and check with your network before work starts.
Ask your network. Ausgrid, Western Power and Horizon Power publish guides to identifying private poles, and the network can confirm where its connection point is.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.