Requesting access or a planned outage
Find out when you may need a planned power outage, what happens after you apply and how costs are calculated.
When you may need a planned outage
You may need us to temporarily switch off power so you can work safely near our electricity network. This may include:
- using a crane near overhead powerlines
- putting up or taking down scaffolding near overhead powerlines
- pruning or removing trees near powerlines
- piling or excavation work
- working on building fire systems inside an Endeavour Energy substation
- working near underground Endeavour Energy cables
Check the safety requirements
Planning work near powerlines can be complex. Your risk assessment and the SafeWork NSW Work Near Electric Lines Code of Practice will help you decide whether you need a planned outage.
You may need a planned outage when:
- work is within 3 m horizontally of overhead powerlines
- work will take place above overhead powerlines and within 3 m horizontally
- scaffolding will be put up or taken down within 4 m of overhead powerlines
- your risk assessment shows the work may affect overhead or underground powerlines
- powered excavation work will take place within 2 m of underground cables
Safety first: If you are unsure, stop work and contact Endeavour Energy before starting
How to apply and what happens next
Before the planned outage, we will arrange a site meeting with you. At the meeting, we will confirm the work, the area affected and what each party needs to do.
After we agree on the scope of work, we will send you an invoice. The usual lead time is 5 to 8 weeks from the date you pay the invoice. During busy periods, it may take up to 12 weeks.
Outage costs
The cost usually has two parts:
- an access permit fee, which covers your request and the planned outage
- a permit holder fee, charged at an hourly rate for an Endeavour Energy field worker to stay on site and hold the safety document
Other fees may apply depending on the work. We will assess these costs for your situation. Current fees are listed in the Network Price List: Ancillary Network Services.
