Private Electric Lines (PEL), also known as private powerlines, help customers to connect their property to our distribution network. These lines can be overhead or underground.
PELs begin from the first pole on your property and include the lines, poles and electrical equipment. Below you'll find one example of a PEL. You can find more examples in our handbook Private Electrical Lines - Your Responsibilities (PDF, 4.6 MB).
As the owner of a PEL, you are responsible for ensuring it is always in safe working condition. Under the Electrical Safety Act 1998 this includes:
Regular maintenance
At least once a year, you should inspect your PEL and the insulated service line that runs to your property. Our maintenance checklist (PDF, 721 KB) can help you to identify repairs and potential safety issues. Using binoculars or a telescope can help you to get a clear view of lines, cross arms and poles.
To keep yourself safe, we recommend that you engage a registered electrician to perform any repairs.
Tree and vegetation clearing
It is important to keep your PEL clear of overgrown trees, shrubs and grass Also consider the future impact before adding new plants near your PEL. Our guide to planting near electric lines (PDF, 2,026 KB) can help you to reduce the impact on your PEL.
It's important to take care when working near powerlines. To find out more, visit our working near lines page.
We also have an important role to play. We have a year-round schedule of vegetation management to ensure the minimum clearances for trees near powerlines. This work may include:
In some cases where we need to clear trees from your property on your behalf, we may pass on costs.
Some customers may be able to request replacement of an overhead PEL. Underground alternatives can include a private or low voltage powerline, or a substation. Where approved, underground replacement costs are shared.
Your contribution may include:
Our contribution may include:
One of the following:
To speak to someone about replacing your PEL with an underground line, please contact us on 1300 360 795.
Customers in some Local Government Areas may be eligible for funding to replace their overhead PEL with an underground connection. Those Local Government Areas are currently Alpine, Baw Baw, Benalla, East Gippsland, Indigo, Mansfield, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington, Wodonga or Yarra Ranges,
To learn more, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) website or contact the DELWP project team at safer.powerlines@delwp.vic.gov.au or on 03 9918 7315.