Northpower safe, reliable, hassle free service.

Working Near Service Lines

Whenever you are digging on private or public property, or working near overhead lines there is a serious risk to life and property if you don’t follow the right safe working practices.

When digging always find out first where network cables and pipes are – get reference maps, or have us mark out the locations for you.

When working near overhead lines make sure that you keep a safe working distance and keep a careful watch when you are operating machinery near lines.

And remember - just because there are overhead lines in the area doesn’t mean there won‘t be underground cables as well!

If you hit an electricity cable or overhead line there is a risk of:

• Electrocution.
• Explosion.
• Flash over
• Fire.

So, use our safety services before you start work. Call us toll free on (09) 430 1803 - this number is a quick and easy way to use all the services we provide free of charge:

• Reference maps which show the location of our underground electricity cables. Use the reference maps to mark out all pipe locations on the worksite before you break ground, or use;
• On-site advice/mark outs/Close Approach Consents for work near strategic electricity, gas and communications cables and pipes.
• Close Approach Consents and guidance for work near our network overhead lines and power poles.
• High Load Permits – we will check your route to make sure it’s safe.

We have provided all the safety information you need to help you work safely around our network on this website:

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