Contact between powerlines and tree branches can occur due to a number of reasons such as strong winds and falling trees. This contact can potentially damage the powerlines causing the risk of electric shock, fire or supply interruptions. Some tree growth can prevent safe access to powerlines, which may delay power restoration, particularly in windy conditions.
SA Power Networks takes its regulatory obligations and the safety of South Australians seriously and is committed to continuously improving how they manage vegetation near powerlines.
State legislation sets out specific requirements for property owners/occupiers and SA Power Networks.
RESPONSIBILITY OF SA POWER NETWORKS
SA Power Networks is responsible for maintaining the clearance zone around all public powerlines. On private land, they are also responsible for keeping naturally occurring vegetation away from powerlines.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER/OCCUPIER
The owner/occupier of private property is responsible for keeping the required clearance zone free of planted or nurtured vegetation around the powerlines that supply their property. A private supply line only supplies you and your property, and operates at 19,000 volts or less.
How much needs to be trimmed? 
This is determined by legislation and varies according to:
- Whether the vegetation is in a BUSHFIRE RISK area
- The VOLTAGE of the conductor
- The SWING and SAG of the conductor
- Whether the line is INSULATED or BARE
For more information please visit the SA POWER NETWORKS WEBSITE