With winter starting to bite, Powerco is urging property owners to keep trees well clear of power lines.

In a statement, the lines company said overgrown trees and falling branches are responsible for about 20% of outages on its network each year.

Trees and branches crashing through lines during high winds and other weather events can cut power to tens of thousands of customers and make it harder to restore supply, particularly in remote rural communities, Powerco general manager electricity Karen Frew said.

“Trees growing too close to power lines don’t only cause power cuts – they also pose serious risks like electrocution, fire and serious injury.

“To keep safe, it’s important that you engage with professionals to trim trees that are growing close to lines.”

If your tree grows too close to power lines, to stay safe you must use a Powerco-approved tree trimming service to carry out tree cutting or pruning near power lines on Powerco’s electricity network.

Powerco monitors trees growing close to its power lines.

If a tree is found to be too close to power lines on its electricity network, Powerco will issue a “cut or trim” notice.

“Once you’ve received a notice, it’s important to complete the trimming safely, and only approved contractors can carry out the work,” Frew said.

Property owners must notify Powerco once trimming is complete, so the tree can be checked for compliance.

“The best long-term solution is for people to avoid planting tall-growing trees near power lines. Preventing trees from interfering with lines ensures a safer, more reliable electricity supply for all our customers.”

Click here for more information about tree trimming, including a breakdown on safe distances between trees and lines, based on voltage, and to find an approved contractor.

With the aim to offset the trees that are removed around its network footprint, Powerco supports local community planting projects through its Replant for Tomorrow initiative.

-Contributed content