CUT OR TRIM NOTICES
Tree interference with power lines
Trees that grow too close to powerlines can cause problems with the local power supply and be a danger to the public.
If it is noted during a survey of your area that trees on your property have grown too close to the overhead lines, you will be issued with a notice requiring the trees to be cut or trimmed in accordance with the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003.
Responsibility is yours
Under these regulations the responsibility for trimming the trees is yours if one or more of the following criteria apply:
- according to Unison records the trees have been subject to a previous cut or trim at our cost
- the trees form a shelterbelt
- the trees have been the subject of a previous agreement
In these circumstances a Cut or Trim Notice will be issued.
The tree owner is responsible and liable for the direct costs of this work and to prevent or remedy any damage caused to Unison’s electricity network.
The work must be completed within the time frame stated on the cut or trim notice and you must notify Unison at least 3 working days before work is to commence.
Please read the back page of the notice as there are several important points about the tree regulations that you need to know, including the following:
Failure to comply with the cut or trim notice
Refer regulation 14, Electricity (Hazard from Trees) Regulations.
Failure to cut or trim your trees in the specified time frame may result in Unison completing the work necessary, at your expense, to remove any immediate hazard to persons, property or electricity conductors.
Unison will recover any amount payable from the tree owner that may include:
- the costs of any cutting or trimming work
- the costs of any isolation, earthing operation and safety operation that is necessary to complete the work
- the costs of the removal of any debris
- the costs of remedying any damage to works, where that damage arises (whether directly or indirectly) out of a tree owner’s failure to comply with the requirements of these regulations
You need an approved contractor
Cutting and trimming trees in the vicinity of power lines is dangerous. Touching the live power line or a tree close to the line, can result in serious injury or even death by electrocution.
Under the Electricity Regulations no person is permitted within 4 metres of a powerline without approval. In the Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua regions this approval can only be granted by Unison.
Contact Unison Contracting Services’ trees team - specialised contractors fully qualified and experienced in tree trimming around live powerlines.
An approved contractor must be used if any part of the tree is within 4 metres of the powerlines.
Call UNISON FIRST | 0800 2 UNISON | 0800 286 476
Action to be taken codes
| Code |
Description |
Code |
Description |
| ST |
Side Trim |
FT |
Fell Tree |
| HR |
Height Reduction |
DT |
Dismantle Tree |
| SH |
Side and Height |
NA |
No Action Required |
The above table explains the action codes that may appear on the notice.
Growth Limit Zone
| Overhead Line |
Notice Zone |
Growth Limit Zone |
| 33kV - High Voltage |
3.5 metres |
2.5 metres |
| 11kV - High Voltage |
2.6 metres |
1.6 metres |
| 400V/230V - High Voltage |
1.5 metres |
˝ metre |
Note:
- The above distances are from power line.
- Distances must be maintained under all conditions eg. High wind.
- Low voltage is the power line between the house/building and Unison’s transformer.
Purpose of Electricity Regulations | Who Own's the Power Lines? | Danger of Trees Near Power Lines
Growth Limit and Notice Zones | Cut or Trim Notices | First Cut or Trim Notices | No Interest Notice | Trees FAQs
