Private overhead electric lines
Electricity customers have always been responsible for their own POELS, whether overhead or underground. ESV works together with electricity distribution companies throughout Victoria to ensure POELS are maintained in line with the legislative requirements.
Every year Victoria faces the risk of bushfires. Your electricity distribution company works very closely with the CFA and the MFB to reduce the risks of bushfires in Victoria by undertaking an extensive inspection and vegetation clearance program each year. Part of this program includes the inspection of POELS.
The following links provide access to brochures produced by SP Ausnet and Citipower / Powercor. Both these brochures provide very useful information on POELS, your responsibilities and dealing with defects.
Legislation
The legislation associated with POELS defines the ‘point of supply’ and confirms your responsibility for maintenance of your private electric lines, including the need to keep trees clear of these lines.
A private electric line is described in the Electricity Safety Act 1998.
Reference should also be made to the Services and Installation Rules for construction and maintenance of private electric lines.
If a fault in your electrical installation causes injury or property damage you could be involved in costly litigation.
POEL inspections
There are set intervals between inspections of POELS - normally no later than 37 months, or under some circumstances, not exceeding five years from the date of the previous inspection (Electricity Safety (Bushfire Mitigation) Regulations 2003 (Vic).
An inspection may reveal that defects exist and maintenance is required on a POEL on your property. If this is the case, the electricity distribution company will give you written notice of the maintenance work required to be carried out (Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic).
Should you not comply with the requests from your distribution company to rectify the identified defects, the distribution company may escalate and refer the case to ESV.
Download a POEL exemption form here