Temporary or Permanent Power Poles: Which Does Your Project Need?

A temporary power pole is hired for a construction supply and removed when the hire ends. A permanent power pole is purchased as an ongoing part of the property's electrical installation. Choose around the supply needed during the build and the final connection design.

See temporary power pole hire for construction options and permanent power poles for purchase and replacement packages. Those pages hold the current prices and package inclusions.

When does a temporary pole make sense?

A temporary pole can provide the point for a builder's temporary supply while construction is underway. Confirm whether the site needs an overhead, underground or mid-span connection, and the single-phase or three-phase requirement with your electrician.

Hire covers the agreed equipment and term. The minimum term, delivery, extension charges and connection inclusions are shown on the selected product and quote. Do not compare an old weekly figure with a current package total or assume every connection type includes identical work.

When is a permanent pole needed?

A permanent pole can support the ongoing property supply or replace a private pole that the owner's electrician has assessed as needing replacement. It is a purchase rather than long-term hire, so there is no recurring equipment hire term to extend.

Confirm the pole rating and height, meter-box requirements and final cable route with the contractor. A temporary pole cannot simply be assumed to satisfy the permanent design. Planning the final supply early can help avoid having to reconsider the position after building work has started.

How does installation differ?

We install temporary hired poles using the arrangements agreed for the site and remove them when off-hire is arranged. The site must remain accessible for delivery and collection.

Our permanent galvanised steel poles use a prepared concrete footing. We supply the cage and install the pole with a crane truck. Your builder or concreter prepares the footing to the site-confirmed requirements, and your electrician handles the building cabling. The foundation reference provides design documents for planning that work.

Steel and timber have different specifications. Do not choose between temporary and permanent service on an unsupported claim that one material always lasts longer or can always be erected without lifting equipment.

Is power available as soon as the pole is installed?

No. Pole installation, network connection and metering are separate steps. For the agreed connection package, the relevant electrical paperwork must be completed. Set up the electricity retailer account early and provide the EWR details so the retailer can arrange its service orders.

Energex handles its network connection work; the retailer arranges its metering provider. Confirm the appointments and when supply will be available. A pole-delivery date is not an energisation guarantee. See Energex's new-connection process.

What should I compare in the quote?

• The connection type, required electrical capacity and package scope.
• The hire term for a temporary pole, or the purchase price for a permanent pole.
• Delivery and site access, plus any separately quoted preparation.
• Footing and building cabling responsibilities, network work and retailer metering.

Standard Energex fees are not included in permanent meter-box-and-connection packages. Our electricians’ visits for Energex connection work are charged to the customer. Traffic control is free when required, but takes extra time to arrange. Compare the actual scope for your address. The temporary configurator and permanent package cards help identify the option to discuss.

What happens when the build is finished?

Coordinate the final supply with your electrician, network and retailer before arranging temporary-pole removal. Confirm that the temporary installation can be disconnected and collected, then follow your hire agreement's off-hire process. Finishing construction does not automatically notify the hire company or end the hire.

If you need temporary power while replacing a damaged permanent pole, discuss that separately after the existing installation has been assessed and made safe. Replacement work does not automatically include a temporary supply.