Clearance space
The safe distance between vegetation (trees, branches and shrubs) and powerlines and poles is called the minimum clearance space.
To maintain the minimum clearance space, you should prune vegetation before it grows within:
- one meter of a service cable; or
- two meters from a bare wire private electric line.
Service cables are either a thick black cable or a silver grey or black twisted cable that is connected to the front of your property.
Bare wire electric lines are generally bare metal and are part of private overhead electric lines (POELs) on private property. We communicate directly with POEL customers so they’re aware of their rights and responsibilities.
For more information, see Private Overhead Electrical Lines
Clearing requirements
Be safe
Don’t try to clear vegetation near powerlines if it's unsafe. We recommend you contact one of our delivery partners to trim and remove tress near powerlines. For more information, visit Who to contact for support.