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A fallen power pole or powerline has the potential to result in a ground fire or electric shock. 

If you have a private powerline and/or a private power pole on your property, it's your responsibility to inspect and maintain them.

Western Power has a duty of care requiring it to inspect the first privately-owned power pole on your property.  It will be directly supporting the Western Power supply cables.  Property owners have their own obligation to inspect, maintain and replace all of their private poles, including the first pole.

The technical requirements and practices for the safe management of privately-owned power poles are detailed by State electricity safety regulator, Building and Energy.

Following the judgment given in July 2021 by the Supreme Court of Western Australia, relating to the Parkerville fire, Western Power began inspecting the first private power pole on properties.

Landowners with private power poles will still have their own obligations to inspect, maintain and replace these first power poles, as well as any other private power poles on their property that do not directly support Western Power’s network. 

If you're unsure where Western Power’s network ends and where your responsibilities begin, call us on 13 10 87 or please visit the Building and Energy website.  

As power poles and powerlines are routinely exposed to inclement weather conditions and pests, they're susceptible to structural damage. Damaged or degraded power poles and powerlines can fail which can lead to fires and/or electric shock so it's important that you inspect and maintain them.  

Have a qualified, licensed professional regularly inspect the condition of your private power poles and powerlines as underlying structural issues or internal deteriorations may not be visible to the untrained eye. NECA WA has set up a list of electrical contractors who are available to replace private poles for affected consumers. 

The diagram below shows the separation between network assets and privately owned assets. Further information about ownership of private power poles, powerlines and underground cables is available from Building and Energy (formerly EnergySafety)

Private power pole and network operator’s service cable

Fallen pole

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