Power poles · The Energex process
How your pole gets connected to power
We install the pole and lodge the Energex paperwork. Energex connects it to the street. Your retailer fits the meter, and that's when the power comes on. Here's each step, who does it and how long it usually takes.
- Energex paperwork
- We lodge it for you
- Energex connection
- Usually 5–10 business days
- Power on
- When the meter is fitted
Energex connects your pole. Your retailer turns the power on.
Mixing those two up is behind most “why is there no power?” calls. A pole can be standing and connected to the street with no power at all, because the meter isn't in yet.
We've installed and lodged
- Pole installed on site(done)
- Energex paperwork lodged(done)
- Connected to the street(not yet)
- Meter fitted(not yet)
Waiting on Energex to connect the pole.
Energex has been
- Pole installed on site(done)
- Energex paperwork lodged(done)
- Connected to the street(done)
- Meter fitted(not yet)
Connected, but not live. The meter isn't in yet. This is where most calls come from.
The meter is fitted
- Pole installed on site(done)
- Energex paperwork lodged(done)
- Connected to the street(done)
- Meter fitted(done)
Your retailer's meter installer has been. Plug in and start work.
From quote to power on
Who does each step, and how long it usually takes. Timings are typical, not promises: Energex and your retailer set their own schedules.
Builder's site, 3-phase and underground poles on hire. 6 steps.
- 01YouBook 3 weeks ahead
Ask for a quote
Tell us the site address, the date you need power, and whether the street supply is overhead or underground. We check the details and send your quote.
Same day: open an account with your electricity retailer.
- 02Poles and HolesDate confirmed with your quote
We deliver and install the pole
Built and electrically certified by licensed electricians at our depot, then delivered and installed on site by our own crew. The meter box, safety switch and outlets come already fitted, so you don't need your own electrician.
- 03Poles and HolesIncluded in your hire
We lodge the Energex paperwork
We lodge the Connect Application and the Electrical Work Request (EWR), the notice that tells Energex the pole is ready to connect. We email you the EWR number as soon as we have it.
- 04YouAs soon as we email it
Call your retailer with the EWR number
Your retailer uses the EWR number to book the Energex connection and the meter install. Nothing gets scheduled until they have it.
- 05EnergexUsually 5–10 business days
Energex connects the pole to the street
An Energex crew runs the service line from the street mains to your pole. Connected doesn't mean live: the meter still has to go in.
On a busy road Energex may need traffic control, which can add several weeks.
- 06Your retailerUsually a few days after Energex
Your retailer fits the meter. Power on.
Your retailer sends a meter installer to fit the meter. That's when the pole goes live and you can plug in.
- 01YouInstall date set at quote
Send us your defect notice or your electrician's findings
We confirm the pole rating, mounting and footing, then send a fixed quote. We don't inspect poles ourselves: that call comes from your own licensed electrician.
- 02Poles and HolesDate confirmed with your quote
We install the new pole
Built and certified at our depot, then installed on site by our own crew. A freshly poured footing cures for at least 48 hours before the pole goes up.
- 03Poles and HolesIncluded
We lodge the Energex paperwork
We lodge the Electrical Work Request (EWR) with Energex and email you the EWR number as soon as we have it.
- 04YouAs soon as we email it
Call your retailer with the EWR number
Your retailer uses the EWR number to book the Energex connection and the meter install. Nothing gets scheduled until they have it.
- 05Your electrician
Your electrician makes the connection
Your own licensed electrician connects the wiring from the pole to your switchboard and certifies that work. They bill you for it directly.
- 06EnergexUsually 1–3 weeks
Energex connects the pole to the street
An Energex crew runs the service line from the street mains to your pole. Connected doesn't mean live: the meter still has to go in.
- 07Your retailerUsually a few days after Energex
Your retailer fits the meter. Power on.
Your retailer sends a meter installer to fit the meter. That's when the pole goes live and you can plug in.
Two calls to your electricity retailer
- The day you book: open an account. Ask for a temporary builder's supply at the site address. Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia or any retailer will do.
- When we email the EWR number: call them with it. That's what lets them book Energex and the meter.
Tell us which retailer you chose so the paperwork matches your account. Tip: ask what each retailer charges to set up a builder's supply. Set-up fees vary more than usage rates.
An electrician and one call
- Line up your own licensed electrician to make the connection from the pole to your switchboard. They certify that work and bill you directly.
- When we email the EWR number: call your electricity retailer with it. That's what lets them book Energex and the meter.
Three organisations, one order
Each one does its part and hands over to the next. Knowing who does what tells you who to call.
Poles and Holes
Our licensed electricians build and certify the pole at our depot. Our crew delivers and installs it. We lodge the Energex paperwork and email you the EWR number.
Energex
Runs the electricity network in South East Queensland. Connects your pole to the street mains.
Your electricity retailer
Holds your account. Books the Energex connection and the meter install, then bills your usage.
Opening the account, the EWR number, the meter booking and your bills.
You
- Open a retailer account the day you book.
- Pass the EWR number to your retailer.
- Keep the path to the meter box clear.
- Call us to off-hire once the wiring is disconnected.
Replacing a permanent pole? Your own licensed electrician also makes the connection from the pole to your switchboard and certifies that work. They bill you for it directly.
Where your power comes from changes the connection
Tell us which one you have when you ask for a quote. If there's a green Energex pillar near your front boundary, it's underground.
Overhead
Energex runs a service line from the street pole across to yours. This is the standard builder's site pole, and the steps above are exactly how it goes.
Underground
The pole connects into the green Energex pillar on your lot. We send our own licensed electrician to check the pillar is set up for our pole and make the connections good, then Energex connects it.
Same hire rate as an overhead pole. The electrician's visit is invoiced separately.
What slows a connection down
Knowing about these early is usually enough to avoid them.
No retailer account
Your retailer can't book Energex or the meter until an account exists and has the EWR number.
A busy road
Energex may need traffic control to connect, which can add several weeks.
A blocked meter box
Keep the path clear. The energy company may charge for a wasted trip.
Scaffold near the pole
Anything within 3 m of the pole needs Energex Safety Advice, 2–3 weeks ahead.
Wet weather
Rain can stop trucks getting on site and push the install date back.
When the build is finished
The pole has to be disconnected before it can leave, and that's arranged through your retailer, not us. The order matters here too.
- 01 · You
Close the temporary account
Once permanent power is on, call your retailer to close it. If the wires aren't moving to a permanent supply, ask them for a Supply Abolishment.
- 02 · Through your retailer
The wiring is disconnected
The service line and meter come off the pole. We can't take a pole away while it's still wired.
- 03 · Us
Call us to off-hire
Call or email once it's disconnected and we'll book the collection.
Common questions
Want the paperwork in more detail? Read our Energex temporary power connection guide.
Energex has been. Why is there still no power?
Energex connects the pole to the street, but the pole isn't live until your retailer's meter installer fits the meter. If you haven't heard about a meter booking, call your retailer and check they have the EWR number we emailed you. They can't book the meter without an account in your name.
Do I need my own electrician?
Not for a temporary pole. It arrives built and certified, and we lodge the Energex paperwork. On an underground connection we send our own licensed electrician, invoiced separately. On a permanent pole, your own licensed electrician makes the connection from the pole to your switchboard.
Can you speed Energex up?
No. Energex schedules its own crews. What does save time is booking early, so the paperwork goes in sooner, and passing the EWR number to your retailer the day we send it.
Can the paperwork start before the pole goes in?
In some cases, yes. If your dates are known when you book, tell us and we'll lodge with Energex as early as we can. The paperwork usually sets the connection date, not the install.
What do Energex and my retailer charge?
Their charges are separate from our hire, and they bill you directly. Retailers usually charge a fee to set up a builder's supply, then bill your usage. Energex charges apply in some cases, such as some 3-phase connections.
How far ahead should I book?
At least three weeks before you need power. In busy periods, allow four.
Book three weeks before you need power.
We install the pole and lodge the Energex paperwork. You open the retailer account and pass on the EWR number. That's all it takes from you.