A private property pole supports the electricity supply to buildings on a property. If you own the pole, arranging its maintenance is part of looking after the property. Start by confirming ownership if the arrangement is unclear.
For a new pole or replacement quote, see permanent power pole installation. This guide explains ownership and maintenance, rather than repeating the current package prices.
Why is there a power pole on my property?
A pole can provide the attachment point for an overhead service or carry private powerlines to buildings. The exact arrangement depends on the property and its connection. A pole on a long driveway, near a boundary or shared with another property deserves a records check before anyone assumes who must pay for work.
Look at existing connection documents and ask the electricity distributor about its asset records. An electricity bill tells you who the retailer is; the retailer and the network distributor have different roles.
How do I know who owns it?
Energex describes letter labels such as A, B, C and D as an indicator of a property pole, while its network poles have identifying number-and-letter labels. If labels are unclear or the supply is shared, ask the distributor to confirm the arrangement. Read labels only from a safe position on the ground.
The position inside a boundary is not enough to resolve every easement or ownership question. Do not assume a boundary pole is jointly owned or use a checklist score to decide responsibility. For background, see Energex's property-pole guidance.
Who arranges inspection and maintenance?
The owner is responsible for maintaining privately owned electrical infrastructure. Queensland's Electrical Safety Office recommends a safety inspection every five years by a licensed electrician experienced in property poles. Arrange an assessment sooner if there is damage or another concern; a recent inspection does not make new damage safe. See the official private-pole advice.
Energex also runs a free five-year inspection program for the first private property pole. That program complements the owner's responsibilities; it does not mean every private pole on a property is covered or that the owner can defer a known problem until the next visit.
Keep inspection reports and any defect notices with your property records. Ask the inspecting contractor to explain what work is required and the next inspection they recommend.
What can I check safely?
From a safe location at ground level, notice changes such as a new lean, visible damage or fittings that have pulled away. You cannot establish structural safety from appearance alone. Do not push, tap, climb or dig around a suspect pole to test it. Arrange a qualified assessment.
If a powerline has fallen, stay well clear and call 000. Keep other people away. Poles & Holes does not provide a 24/7 make-safe service.
What if I receive a defect notice?
Read the actual deadline and arrange a licensed contractor's assessment promptly. Notices relate to the defect found; there is no single grace period that applies to every job. Ask the distributor about its requirements and any planned outage.
Once the site is safe and the scope is known, send us the notice, assessment and site address for a permanent-pole replacement quote. The quote identifies the pole, installation and agreed connection work. Standard Energex fees and our electricians’ connection visits are extra, including with permanent meter-box-and-connection packages. Your building electrician's work and the footing preparation are separate.
What if I rent the property?
Tell the owner or managing agent promptly if you suspect a problem. Do not carry out a physical test or repair yourself. Follow the Electrical Safety Office's guidance about escalation if a reported hazard is not addressed, and use emergency services for fallen powerlines.
Does owning the pole mean I can move it?
No. Moving a pole affects its foundations, attached lines and connection. Discuss the proposal with a licensed electrical contractor and the distributor before planning work. For construction near existing infrastructure, read planning near power poles and lines.
When is replacement the next step?
The inspecting contractor should establish whether rectification or replacement is needed. We supply and install permanent galvanised steel pole packages once the requirements and site preparation are agreed. See the current options and installation responsibilities before comparing quotes.
Related Service
Permanent Power Pole Installation
Compare permanent pole packages, footing requirements and replacement options for your property.
