Access to my property
When we have works planned we will give you prior notice and information about those works.
You’ll receive a letter with the details of the work we’re doing and the planned start and finish time.
However emergencies can and do occur, and when they do our priority is to restore power to our customers.
All our employees and contractors working on our behalf carry personal identification which we encourage you to ask to see.
Western Power employees wear orange hi-vis shirts with our logo and will be in Western Power branded vehicles.
Western Power has statutory rights of entry and access, which are based on sections 43, 46(9) and 48 of the Energy Operators (Powers) Act 1979 and other legislative provisions.
When you think of Western Power’s network, your first thoughts probably go to the poles and wires in the street, then other electrical assets such as the substations and transformers that you might drive past when you’re out and about.
However there are other parts of the network that aren’t so visible, and that includes electrical assets which are located within private premises – often commercial buildings.
From time to time, we need to perform emergency or operational and inspection work on those electrical assets, to ensure they are running safely and are providing a reliable electricity supply to our customers throughout our network.
Occasionally we need to perform switching tasks on the equipment located in your premises to ensure it’s working safely. Other times we need to check that the site condition meets our standards.
These visits are normally short (5-10 minutes) and will not affect the electricity supply to your premises.
Vegetation and fauna
If you still have power but there are bees in your dome please call 13 10 87 and we will log a job for someone to come and remove the bees.
If you have lost power as a result of the bees please call 13 13 51 to report a fault.
If you can see white ants on one of our poles, please call 13 13 51 and we will send a crew out to inspect.
Our tree and powerline safety brochure will assist with most of your questions in relation to vegetation. If you need any further information please call us on 13 10 87.
In urban areas, the minimum clearances are typically 2.5 metres to the side and 2 metres below the powerlines, while in semi-rural and rural areas the minimum clearances are typically 4 metres to the side and 2.5 metres below.
However, the clearance zones may vary in your area depending on the type of conductor used to transport electricity, the fire risk and distance between two poles (span).
Allow for reasonable regrowth when trimming your trees, so they can be maintained outside the clearance zones all year round.
Tree regrowth boundaries between property and electrical equipment
For full details about safe tree distance, view our tree and powerline safety brochure.
If branches overhang powerlines, please have them removed - there should be no branches within the clearance area above powerlines.
Due to recent changes to the EnergySafety guidelines, and to maintain a safe and reliable network, Western Power may trim branches above powerlines that had not previously been trimmed. Should this occur you will receive an invoice for the work.
If your trees require trimming we recommend you hire a professional tree pruner or arborist as it is dangerous to trim trees anywhere near powerlines.
For further information, contact The Arboricultural Association of WA.
- Telephone: 9427 0830
- Fax: 08 9427 0801
- Email: arbwest@casm.com.au
Electric shocks & tingles
Call us immediately on 13 13 51 and we’ll send our crew out as soon as possible to investigate. Do not touch the appliance or location of the shock again until we know your property is safe.
It is important that once an electric shock / tingle has been experienced and reported, do not touch or ‘re-test’ the location of the incident again.
Where shocks are received from any metal work such as taps, switchboards or appliances, remain clear of all other metallic equipment at the property until we attend and ensure safety.
It’s better to be safe and wait for us to attend and investigate the cause of the electric shock.
An electric shock is obvious – you’ll feel a zap or possibly painful force run through you. This is hard to ignore and you generally know that you’ve had an electric shock. You should notice the difference between an electric shock and the shock you get from static electricity – the minor discharge you get when you’ve walked on wool carpet and then touch something metal. If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and report it to us on 13 13 51.
A tingle is a low-level electric shock. It may feel more like a warm, fuzzy feeling that runs through you – kind of like pins and needles. You may not think it’s an issue or not know what has happened. Regardless, it’s still an early warning sign that there may be a wiring issue.
Electric shocks and tingles come from places in the property or installation that have electrical wiring or metal components.
If there is faulty wiring in the property or appliances, this can cause electric shocks and tingles.
They most commonly occur in electrical appliances, power points and switches, taps and shower heads.
If the cause is found to be a network issue, our crews will carry out repairs and reconnect the installation. We will ensure that you are reconnected as soon as possible.
If it is found that the cause of the electric shock is not due to the network connection, it is likely that the issue is with the wiring in your property and may need to inspected/rectified by a qualified electrician. The responsibility to source and pay for the electrician is with the property owner. If you are renting, this responsibility sits with your landlord and they should be notified immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken to remedy the issue.
To ensure the safety of property occupiers and neighbouring customers, our crews may be required to disconnect your property, or part thereof, from the electricity network. Where internal electrical faults are identified, isolation is required until they can be inspected/rectified by a qualified electrician. These wiring faults can pose a risk for not only the occupants but also neighbouring residents.
We know it can be inconvenient to be without power until the issue is resolved, but it’s essential that you and your family are safe before any reconnection takes place.
If the responsibility is yours or your landlord’s, once your electrician has fixed the wiring issue, they must submit a notice to Western Power to request that your property be reconnected to the main electricity network. Time taken to reconnect may vary depending on a number of factors, in some instances this may be for an extended period of time. This is to ensure the safety of all people involved – you and our field crews alike.
WA Electrical Inspectors play an important role in investigating the cause of an electric shock. They investigate shocks on behalf of the safety regulator Building & Energy (formerly named EnergySafety).
When you report the electric shock or tingle to us, we also notify the WA Electrical Inspectors who complete an investigate report on the cause of the shock/tingle, and determine when the property or appliance is able to be energised again.
Following the incident, an electrical inspector may contact you or attend your property to ask some questions in relation to the electric shock. It is important that you provide all the information requested to assist them. They will then contact us for additional information about our initial response. .
Green domes / pillars
You may have seen a green dome (also known as a green pillar) on your property or in your neighbourhood and wondered, what does a green dome do and why do I have one?
Green domes play an important role in delivering electricity to you – it is the point of connection between your property and the main electrical network that runs along your street.
It is the same electrical wiring that runs from power poles to the top of houses, except underground. The green dome acts as a protective housing for the electrical wires that feed a property.
They are primarily found in areas where there is an underground power supply.
Green domes can be found in areas with overhead power poles and wires, in particular public areas like parks and roadsides, or where new houses have been built in the area (as all new subdivisions must install underground power connections).
It’s easy to miss them, as they are coloured green to blend in with natural surrounds, however it is important to remember that they play an important role in supplying your property with power and, if damaged, pose the same risk as a downed powerline. If you see a damaged green dome, it is important you report it to Western Power immediately on 13 13 51.
You can also apply to relocate your green dome or convert your overhead power supply to underground.
Green domes should be clear and accessible at all times so that our crews or electrical contractors can access the electrical wiring as needed.
We may require access to repair/isolate power in an emergency, repair a fault, replace a damaged green dome cover or change the position of your electricity supply. By having the green domes visible and clear of interference, we can maintain and isolate the underground power with minimal disruption to customers.
To ensure access, green domes should be kept vertically unimpeded and have a 500mm clearance zone around the base of the unit. This includes installations such as fences or vegetation.
If the green dome has limited or poor access, it may result in delays to restoring your power during faults.
This clearance zone also ensures the green dome and its electrical wiring has sufficient ventilation to operate efficiently and safely.
Human interference is the main cause of damage to green domes.
This includes vehicles driving into or over the green dome, construction/building activity, landscaping activity and people playing or jumping on the green dome.
Grass or bushfires also lead to green dome damage.
If you or somebody in your presence damages a green dome, report it to Western Power immediately on 13 13 51.
Remember, a damaged green domes is as dangerous as a downed powerline.
There are multiple types of pillars that you may come across in your area, all with a similar function - to get power safely and efficiently to your property.
The most common type is the green dome (also known as green pillar or mini pillar). Traditionally, the shape of these pillars has been dome-like, hence the nickname 'green dome'. There's also more of these types of pillars in the community than other types.
In 2018, we changed the standard pillar shape to rectangular for all new installations. So you'll see more of these popping up in the future.
Uni pillars are a larger version of a green dome. They are used to house larger cables and enable us to conduct switching work when conducting maintenance or fault repair work.
Not all houses in underground power areas have their own green dome. Some green domes can service multiple properties, so you may see one for every second or third property along the street.
Where it's part of undergrounding work that we deliver, green domes are installed by Western Power crews or our approved contractors. We have specific requirements as to how the green domes must be installed to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.
Private electrical contractors also install green domes when they are doing work for private customers, such as residents, builders or land developers. Western Power does not own all the green domes / pillars in the community. Some are privately owned and maintained as part of an installation, or by utilities such as the Water Corporation.
If you’ve contacted a green dome with your vehicle it’s important you stay inside until you have sought further instruction from Western Power. Wires carrying potentially life threatening amounts of electricity may be in contact with the vehicle which may energise it.
The safest option is to stay inside the vehicle until help arrives or you’re instructed otherwise by Western Power. If it’s unsafe to stay in your vehicle, jump well clear keeping both feet together. Don’t touch the vehicle and ground at the same time then shuffle away keeping both feet together. Check out this handy video about what to do if your vehicle is in contact with live electricity.
For people with underground power, you are highly likely to have a green dome for your electrical wiring. This is the standard and most cost-effective protective housing.
However, there are pits and wall-mounted boxes available to customers where space or personal preference requires alternative options.
These alternatives are available at a higher cost than the standard green dome. How do customers enquire/request this?
(image of pit and wall-mounted box for reference)
Private power pole inspection
Both Western Power and property owners have private pole inspection obligations as follows:
- Western Power has a duty of care requiring it to periodically inspect the first private power pole on a property. This pole will be providing support to the Western Power service cable supplying electricity to the property.
- Property owners have a duty of care to inspect, maintain and replace all of their private poles, including the first private power pole on a property.
The technical requirements and practices for the safe management of privately-owned power poles are detailed by State electricity safety regulator, Building and Energy.
More information about private power poles can be found on the Building and Energy website.
As the property owner, you are responsible and accountable for all privately owned poles on your property. Once we’ve inspected the first private power pole, we’ll notify you if maintenance or replacement is required, and who you may seek to contact to complete the work.
Depending on the condition of the pole, you’ll have either 30 or 90 days to replace it or we may advise to undertake this work in the future.
More information about private power poles can be found on the Building and Energy website
As soon as you receive your Private Power Pole Defect notice, it’s best to get in contact with an electrical contractor to come and assess the work that needs to be done to make your pole safe. Your electrical contractor will provide you with a quote to undertake the work.
Be mindful of timeframes outlined in your notice. Contacting a qualified electrical contractor as soon as you receive your notice will assist in ensuring that work is completed before the end of the notice period, preventing any service interruptions.
Depending on the condition of the private power pole, you’ll have either 30 or 90 days to replace it. We recommend you engage with a qualified licensed electrician to replace your pole with one compliant to Australian Standards within the advised timeframe otherwise for safety reasons we’ll need to disconnect your property until the installation is made safe.
We’ll visually inspect the first private pole on your property and if safe and we are able to then we’ll dig around the base to check the condition of the pole below ground level. We don't anticipate an electricity outage will be required but if we find your power pole is in an immediately dangerous condition, we’ll need to disconnect the property to maintain safety.
We’ll need to access your property to inspect the first private pole. If we need your help to access the pole (e.g. opening locked gates or ensuring animals don’t escape the property), please let us know and we'll do our best to contact you before the inspection to arrange a time convenient for you.
If you need to provide us access to your property or if you have any questions about this work please call 13 10 87 (TIS: 13 14 50 or TIY: 1800 13 13 51) or use our contact form
There is no cost for us to inspect the first private pole on your property, however as you are responsible for it, any maintenance or replacement will need to be arranged by you at your expense. If the pole isn't replaced and we have to disconnect you for safety reasons, there will be a reconnection fee.
Yes, if you wish to replace your pole with an underground service connection, we can discuss your requirements and work with you on an expected delivery date depending on the complexity.
We suggest you apply as soon as you receive your notice to ensure the work is carried out prior to the end of your notice period. Please advise us that you have received a private power pole replacement notice at the point of application.
Any costs associated with this replacement will be incurred by the property owner.
If the private power pole is shared by neighbouring properties all property owners are responsible for its inspection, maintenance and replacement. We advise you to contact your neighbours to agree on a course of action to make your shared private pole(s) safe.
If you’re a tenant at your property and receive a Private Power Pole Defect Notice, forward it to your landlord or property manager. The private power pole is likely to be their responsibility to inspect, maintain and replace depending on the terms of your tenancy arrangement.
If the private power poles are made of sawn timber, they should be replaced immediately. Sawn timber cannot be used to support power lines because of the high risk of deterioration and early failure. Regardless of the current condition of a sawn timber first private power pole you will be issued with a replacement notice. This is to ensure the safety of your property and the community.
Here are some common issues that will result in us issuing a defect notice for your private power pole:
- Termite related damage
- Rot, splitting, fire damage or cracks in wooden poles and cross arms
- Excessive leaning or instability of the pole
- Rusting/corrosion of metal poles, lattice/tripod structures, cross arms or attachments
- Physical damage of the pole, e.g. via impact, which affects structural integrity
- Sawn timber poles (generally square section, often untreated) are not suitable for power poles as they are more prone to rot and structural deterioration.
The Department of Building and Energy provides examples of these faults and others.
Inspections
The Western Australian Electrical Inspectors (WAEI) don't complete inspections of all electrical work. Our inspection system depends on a number of factors including the sample rate of the electrical worker and the type of work completed.
If your installation is subject to inspection, a qualified electrical inspector will often attend within a few days but it can be up to 3 months after completion of the work.
No. Unfortunately we’re unable to complete inspections on request. Inspections are subject to our sampled inspection system, when new electrical work is completed and a Notice of Completion is submitted.
A licensed electrical contractor can complete an inspection of your electrical installation and provide advice.
If the electrical contractor believes your electrical installation is unsafe, they’re required to make the installation safe and report the installation to Western Power. Minor defects don’t need to be reported.
Please call the National Electrical Communications Association on (08) 6241 6100 or Master Electricians on 1300 889 198. They’ll be able to help you find an electrical contractor near you who can visit your property.
Yes. WAEI electrical inspectors have authority to access premises without notice for the purposes of ensuring the safety of electrical installations. All of our inspectors have police clearance and must carry identification to confirm their authenticity.
Helicopter line maintenance
The helicopter operates at roughly the same height as the power poles, ensuring effective cleaning and silicone application.
We’re committed to improving network resilience for our communities. Helicopter maintenance work, especially the washing and siliconing of insulators, helps reduce the risk of pole top fires and ensures consistent and safe power supply across Western Australia.
The maintenance involves two steps. First, we spray insulators and powerlines with demineralised water. In the second phase we return to apply a protective silicone layer.
We start by using demineralised water for initial cleaning. Following that, we apply FCSIL6, a silicone product, to protect against potential electrical hazards. FCSIL6 is not classified as hazardous (based on the Global Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals).
It's unlikely the helicopter will need to land on private properties. However, if such a situation arises, we'll do our best to communicate with landowners in advance.
Please check our monthly list of suburbs. Our daily schedule is subject to change depending on weather and other operational considerations.
Helicopters won’t be flying in and around residential streets, main roads, close to houses, livestock, etc. Other type of treatments can be employed to maintain the network where a helicopter cannot fly.