Powerco is urging property owners to keep trees clear of power lines as part of its annual tree safety campaign.

The lines company warned that overgrown vegetation remained a major cause of outages across its network.

Trees growing into power lines and falling branches are responsible for about one in five outages each year, damaging infrastructure, disrupting electricity supply and increasing fire and safety risks.

The energy company monitors vegetation near its network and issues “cut or trim” notices when trees are found too close to power lines.

Property owners who receive a notice are responsible for arranging trimming and ensuring the work is carried out safely.

Electricity general manager Karen Frew said keeping trees well clear of lines was critical to maintaining a safe and reliable network.

“Trees growing too close to power lines can create significant risks for people, property and the power supply,” she said in a media release.

“Keeping trees properly maintained helps reduce outages, protects our network and keeps people safe.”

Working near power lines is hazardous and can result in serious injury or electrocution.

Tree trimming in close proximity to power lines must be carried out by a Powerco-approved contractor, and property owners must notify Powerco once the work is complete.

Frew said planning ahead when planting trees could help avoid future issues.

“The best time to think about tree safety is before planting. Choosing the right tree and planting it well away from power lines can prevent problems later and help keep the power on for everyone.”

Powerco also supported community planting efforts through its Replant for Tomorrow initiative, which aims to offset trees removed from around its network footprint.

Further information on safe distances between trees and power lines, as well as approved contractors, is available on Powerco’s website.