Permanent Power Poles
Installed & Inspected.
Licensed private power pole installation and replacement across South East Queensland. Energex approved steel power poles engineered for 50+ year lifespans. Inspection, defect rectification and new installations.
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 site assessment to determine whether replacement is needed.
For more details on electrical compliance, see our guide to Australian standards for power poles. We service all of South East Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich.
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 on RPEQ-certified concrete footings (1.5–2.25 m deep)
- 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 at a daily rate with a 4-week minimum
- 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.
Read our full temporary vs permanent comparison to understand which option suits your project, or learn about the regulations around building near power poles.
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 concreter prepares the footing — excavating to the certified depth for the pole (up to 2.25 m) and pouring min 32 MPa reinforced concrete around the cast-in foundation bolts to our specification. Once the footing is cured, 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.
Energex Connection, Then Retailer Meter Install
Getting power flowing is a two-step process handled by two different organisations. First, Energex connects your new pole to the grid (typically 1–3 weeks after install for permanent installations). Next, your electricity retailer’s meter provider attends a few days later to fit the meter — power only starts flowing once that meter is in. You’re responsible for opening an account with your chosen retailer (e.g. Origin, AGL, Energy Australia) using the EWR number we provide, so they can schedule the meter install. Both steps are outside Poles & Holes’ control.
We supply the cage — your builder pours the concrete
Every permanent pole order includes a hot-dip galvanised foundation cage with the cast-in bolts pre-set on the certified PCD. Your builder or concreter excavates the bore, places our cage, and pours the min 32 MPa reinforced concrete around it before Poles & Holes arrives to install the pole. The full RPEQ-certified specification — with bolt PCDs, per-pole depths, plan and section diagrams, and downloadable certified PDFs — is on our dedicated builder reference page.
We supply · Foundation Cage
Supplied by P&H (HDG)
We supply · Cast-In Bolts
Pre-set on cage (M20 / M24)
We supply · Position Template
Supplied with cage
Builder pours · Bore Diameter
Ø 450 mm
Builder pours · Bore Depth
1500–2250 mm (per pole)
Builder pours · Concrete
min 32 MPa reinforced
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 are RPEQ-certified by Peak Construction Engineering (K Patrick Kwan Cheung, RPEQ 8999) and align with AS/NZS 1170, AS 4100, AS 1798 and AS 3600. Reference Queensland Electricity Connection Manual QCD06-03 and QCD06-13.
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 site 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 for an 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.
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? Our licensed team can assess your property to determine whether your pole needs rectification or replacement. We service all of South East Queensland within 40 km of our depot.
The Energex Standard.
Standard and heavy-duty options. Same proven engineering. Built to outlast everything around it.
Pole Only
Pole Only — 1kN
5m Energex approved galvanised steel power pole (1kN SWL). Hot-dip galvanized for marine-grade corrosion resistance. Foundation cage supplied — client to pour concrete footing.
Specifications
ex GST + $350 delivery
Pole Only — 3.5kN
5m Energex approved galvanised steel power pole (3.5kN SWL). Heavy-duty for longer spans and heavier cable loads. Foundation cage supplied — client to pour concrete footing.
Specifications
ex GST + $350 delivery
Pole + Meter Box & Connection
1kN — Complete Package
5m galvanised steel pole (1kN SWL) with meter box, Energex connection, RCD and GPOs. Ready to power your property. Foundation cage supplied — client to pour concrete footing.
Specifications
Also Includes
3.5kN — Complete Package
5m galvanised steel pole (3.5kN SWL) with meter box, Energex connection, RCD and GPOs. Heavy-duty for longer spans. Foundation cage supplied — client to pour concrete footing.
Specifications
Also Includes
Need a custom configuration? Every property is different. We can source higher-rated poles (above 3.5 kN) for longer spans or heavier cable loads, taller poles for clearance requirements, and other non-standard specifications. Call us on (07) 3367 2237 or get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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.
40km Coverage Radius
From our Capalaba depot
Private Power Pole FAQs
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 site assessment and we'll determine feasibility and provide a fixed-price quote.
50+ Year Lifespan
Hot-dip galvanised steel
Energex Approved
Full compliance & CCEW
Licensed Electricians
We handle all paperwork