Permanent Power Poles
Installed & Inspected.
Licensed electrical installation and replacement of private property poles across South East Queensland. Energex approved steel power poles engineered for 50+ year lifespans.
Received a Defect Notice?
Under Queensland's Electrical Safety Act 2002, you're legally required to rectify defects within the timeframe stated on your notice.
Energex inspects privately-owned poles every five years and will issue a defect notice if your pole shows signs of leaning, decay, termite damage, or rust.
Get Urgent AssessmentHow We Handle Rectification
Experiencing financial hardship? Energex offers assistance programs for defect rectification. Call their Customer Asset team at 1300 743 268 or contact us and we'll help you explore options.
What is a private power pole?
A private power pole is an electricity pole located within your property boundary that carries power from the network connection point to your home or building. Unlike network poles on public land (owned by Energex or Ergon Energy), private poles are the legal responsibility of the property owner under Queensland's Electrical Safety Act 2002.
Private poles are typically identified by letter labels (A, B, C, or D), while Energex-owned poles carry numeric and letter combinations. If the pole sits inside your property boundary, you are responsible for its maintenance, inspection, and eventual replacement. Many property owners are unaware of this obligation until they receive a defect notice from Energex following a routine five-year inspection.
Common signs your private pole may need attention include visible leaning, cracks in concrete, rust on steel components, termite damage, and deteriorated cables or brackets. If you notice any of these issues, contact our team for a free assessment before the situation worsens.
Permanent vs temporary power poles
Both permanent and temporary power poles serve the same fundamental purpose — delivering electricity to your site — but they are designed for very different situations. Understanding which one you need saves time and money.
Permanent Power Poles
- Designed for 50+ year lifespans
- Installed with concrete footings (2m depth)
- Used for ongoing property power supply
- Replaces defective or aging private poles
- Requires CCEW compliance certificate
Temporary Power Poles
- Designed for short-term use during construction
- Portable and removable after the build
- Hired on a weekly basis
- Provides builder's temporary supply (TBS)
- Removed once permanent power is connected
Need a temporary pole for your construction site? We also offer temporary power pole hire with 48-hour installation across South East Queensland. Most builders use a temporary pole during construction and then switch to a permanent installation once the build is complete.
Permanent power pole installation process
From initial assessment to final compliance, our licensed electricians manage every step of your permanent power pole installation. Here's what to expect.
Site Assessment & Quote
Our licensed team inspects your property, evaluates the existing pole condition (if applicable), checks site access for equipment, and provides a fixed-price quote. We assess soil conditions, cable routes, and Energex connection requirements.
Pole Specification
We supply Energex approved galvanised steel power poles — engineered for 50+ year lifespans with termite immunity and fire resistance. We confirm the pole height and cable entry positions for your site, and discuss whether you'd like a meter box pre-installed on the pole as an optional add-on.
Energex Coordination & Permits
We lodge the Connect Application and Electrical Work Request (EWR) with Energex on your behalf. This includes scheduling the disconnection of existing services and coordinating reconnection after installation. All paperwork is handled by our team.
Excavation & Installation
Your builder or contractor prepares the footing — excavating to the required depth (up to 2m) and pouring a 20MPa concrete foundation to our specifications. Once the footing is ready, our crew arrives with specialist equipment to position and install the pole. All point-of-attachment brackets and hardware are fitted during this phase.
Electrical Connection
If you've opted for a meter box, our electricians wire it up on the pole during installation. Cabling from the pole to your house is handled by your electrician. We coordinate with Energex to reconnect their service lines from the street to your new pole.
Compliance & Handover
We submit the Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) to the network authority, confirming all work meets Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002 and AS/NZS 3000 standards. You receive full documentation for your records.
Foundation preparation by your builder
Your builder or contractor is responsible for preparing the concrete foundation to our specifications before Poles & Holes arrives to install the pole. We supply a detailed foundation guide — here are the key requirements.
Hole Diameter
450–500mm
Embedment Depth
1500mm into natural ground
Concrete
20 MPa premix, full depth
Cure Time
Minimum 48 hours
Volume (450mm hole)
≈ 0.24m³
Volume (500mm hole)
≈ 0.29m³
Builder checklist
Confirm Pole Location
Verify position with site plan. Ensure clearances from structures, boundaries, and services.
Check Underground Services
Dial Before You Dig (1100) — confirm no services in the excavation zone.
Excavate the Hole
450–500mm diameter, 1500mm deep into natural ground. Keep vertical, free of loose material.
Position Foundation Cage
Centre and plumb the cage in the hole. Brace to hold position during concrete pour.
Attach Electrical Conduit
Secure conduit to cage per the foundation guide. Orient entry point toward switchboard.
Pour Concrete
Fill to full depth with 20 MPa premix. Rod to remove air pockets. Slope top to drain.
Allow Concrete to Cure
Minimum 48-hour cure. Do not disturb. Protect from extreme heat or rain.
Keep the Area Clear
Ensure crane truck access on installation day. Remove spoil, tools, and obstructions.
Notify Poles & Holes
Contact us once cured to schedule installation. Send a photo of the completed foundation.
48-hour minimum cure time
The concrete foundation must cure for a minimum of 48 hours before we can install the pole. Installing on uncured concrete risks foundation failure and will void the structural warranty. Please factor this into your build schedule.
Foundation specifications reference the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) standards QCD06-03 and QCD06-13. Your builder can request the full Energex specification documents if required.
Cost of permanent power poles in Queensland
The cost of installing or replacing a permanent power pole varies depending on several factors specific to your property. While we provide fixed-price quotes after a site assessment, here are the key factors that influence pricing.
Pole Material
We install galvanized steel poles — the modern standard for private power infrastructure. Hot-dip galvanized coating provides 50+ years of corrosion protection with minimal maintenance. A meter box can be pre-installed on the pole as an optional add-on.
Site Access & Conditions
Easy vehicle and equipment access keeps costs down. Restricted access, steep terrain, or obstacles requiring manual handling will add to the installation cost.
Electrical Requirements
Optional meter box pre-installation is available as an add-on. Cabling from the pole to your buildings is handled by your electrician and quoted separately from our installation.
Energex Fees
Network authority fees for disconnection, reconnection, and service line attachment are separate from our installation costs. These are set by Energex and typically range from $500-$800.
Removal of Old Pole
If replacing an existing pole, the old pole must be safely removed and disposed of. Concrete-set poles require additional excavation, and older timber poles may require asbestos testing before removal.
Hardship Assistance
If you're experiencing financial difficulty, Energex offers hardship programs for defect rectification. Call their Customer Asset team at 1300 743 268, or contact us and we'll help you explore available options.
Get a fixed-price quote. Every site is different. Contact us for a free assessment and we'll provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote with no hidden fees.
How Energex coordination works
Every permanent power pole installation or replacement in South East Queensland requires coordination with Energex (or Ergon Energy in regional areas). As the network authority, Energex controls the service lines that connect your property to the electricity grid.
Our team handles all Energex paperwork on your behalf. This includes lodging the Connect Application to notify Energex of planned works, submitting the Electrical Work Request (EWR) for disconnection and reconnection scheduling, and filing the Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) once the installation is complete.
For defect notice rectifications, we lodge paperwork immediately to prevent disconnection while works are underway. Energex typically processes urgent applications within 2-3 business days, and standard applications within 5-10 business days. Our team tracks every application and keeps you informed throughout the process.
If you've received a defect notice and are unsure what to do, get in touch — we can attend your property within 24 hours for an urgent assessment.
Engineered for resilience.
Every Energex approved steel pole is built to exceed AS/NZS 3000 standards, ensuring your power supply withstands the harshest conditions.
Corrosion Immunity
Hot-dip galvanized coating provides self-healing protection against scratches. Rated for coastal zones and high-humidity environments.
Precision Engineering
Pre-drilled cable entry points and consistent dimensions streamline installation for maximum efficiency.
Non-Combustible
Essential for bushfire prone areas. Steel poles do not add fuel load and maintain structural integrity during heat events.
Investment Protection
We stand by our power poles with a comprehensive structural warranty. Install once, never worry again.
Compliant With All Major Authorities
Your property pole, your responsibility.
Under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, Queensland property owners are legally responsible for the maintenance and safety of private power poles within their boundary.
Mandatory 5-Year Inspections
Queensland law requires property owners to arrange professional inspections of their private power poles every five years. Inspections must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor, accredited pole inspector, or RPEQ engineer.
Defect Identification
Inspections check for pole leaning, above and below-ground decay, termite damage, rust, deteriorated cables, damaged meter boxes, and compromised attachment points.
Rectification Obligations
As the landowner, you are legally responsible for rectifying any defects found on your property pole. Failure to act within the given timeframe may result in power disconnection.
Vegetation Management
Property owners must maintain trees near private powerlines through qualified arborists. Never attempt to trim vegetation near powerlines yourself — contact a licensed professional.
Energex Free Inspections
Energex routinely inspects privately-owned poles every five years at no cost. If they identify defects, they'll notify you with a rectification timeframe. Use a licensed contractor to carry out repairs.
Safety Risks of Neglect
A deteriorating pole can lean or collapse, creating bushfire hazards, injury risks, and power outages. Fallen poles may bring down attached powerlines, posing serious electrocution danger.
Not sure if your pole needs replacing? We offer free site assessments within our standard service area (40 km from our depot across South East Queensland). Our licensed team will inspect your pole and advise on whether rectification is required.
The Energex Standard.
Two options. Same pole. Engineered to outlast everything around it.
Pole Only
5m Energex approved galvanised steel power pole. Hot-dip galvanized for marine-grade corrosion resistance. Client to supply footing.
Pole + Meter Box & Connection
5m galvanised steel pole with meter box, Energex connection, RCD and GPOs. The complete package — ready to power your property. Client to supply footing.
Servicing South East Queensland.
From the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, and west to Ipswich. Our dedicated trucks are on the road daily ensuring rapid response times for defect rectifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about private power pole ownership, inspections, and installation in Queensland.
What is a property pole and how do I know if I own one?
What is included in a permanent power pole installation?
I received a defect notice from Energex. What should I do?
How often should private power poles be inspected?
How quickly can you replace a fallen or dangerous pole?
Why do you use galvanized steel poles?
Can I trim trees near my private power lines?
Do I need council approval to install a private power pole?
Who owns a private power pole?
Does Energex replace private poles?
How long does a permanent power pole last?
Can a damaged private pole be repaired?
What is the difference between a private and network power pole?
Who is responsible for the pole foundation?
What size hole is needed for a permanent power pole?
How much concrete is needed for a power pole foundation?
Complete your site setup.
Everything you need for a fully equipped construction site.
Power your property.
Get ahead of the queue for permanent pole installation across South East Queensland. Book a free site assessment and we'll provide a fixed-price quote.