In Aotearoa New Zealand, power lines are owned by approximately 30 lines companies (electricity distributors). Lines companies sell electricity from the national grid to electricity retailers. But you might own a part of the power line too.
You own the section of power line that connects to your house
The lines company that serves your area owns the power lines - up to the point where they connect to the lines on your property. This is usually at a power pole near the boundary of your property.
Image credit Powerco
The home owner is usually the owner of the service line
The service line is the power line between the power pole and your home.
If the service line only goes to your electricity meter, you own the service line. So, if there is a problem with the service line you are responsible for its maintenance.
If a service line supplies electricity to more than one property, then the lines company owns it.
The service line to your home could be underground
In some areas, the service lines to homes are underground.
Learn how to locate underground services on or near your property.
Ways to find the lines company that serves your area
If you have been issued with a cut or trim notice, the notice will show the name of the lines company.
Otherwise, you can:
- use the Electricity Network Association’s online map or
- contact your electricity retailer (the business that sends you electricity bills) and ask them who the lines company is in your area.