Private power line on your WA property? Here are your responsibilities

The Western Australian government is starting an education campaign through EnergySafety around the responsibilities and obligations of property owners when it comes to overhead power lines.

Privately owned power poles and lines located on private properties are the responsibility of the home owner, explained Commerce Minister Michael Mischin and Energy Minister Mike Nahan.

“Property owners have always had a common law duty of care to maintain their assets and ensure they do not pose a danger to themselves or the community,” Mischin said.

“The state government is now alerting people to this responsibility to give them a chance to have their privately owned power poles and lines inspected by a licensed electrical contractor.”

Lines supported by wooden poles that have been in service for 25 years, or longer, may be near the end of their service life and thus unsafe, warned Mischin, who said they could be a potential bushfire danger.

Nahan said that Western Power and Horizon Power were not responsible for these private poles and lines.

“Private power lines are part of a customer’s electrical installation. Their maintenance and safety are purely an owner’s responsibility,” he said.