Electrical equipment and structures are all around us in your street, at the local park and sporting fields, near boat ramps and in car parks.

At Endeavour Energy we do all we can to build and position our equipment in ways that minimise impacts on the public. However, it is still important that you and your family know how to identify any hazards in public places, so that you can live and play safely near electricity.

Power poles and towers

Power poles and towers are used to transport electricity. Different voltages are kept at different heights, with the highest voltages running through the highest powerlines. You should never attempt to climb power poles or towers or try to reach powerlines, regardless of the voltage. Contact with powerlines, or even just going too close to them, could kill you.

It’s also important that your outdoor activities do not bring you close to powerlines as this could result in serious injury or even death. You should familiarise yourself with your surroundings before doing things like flying kites, drones or remote control planes, or any other activities that could reduce the safe clearance between you and powerlines.

Padmounts and pillar boxes

Padmounts and pillar boxes convert electricity, reducing the high voltages we use to transport power over long distances to the lower voltage used in homes and businesses. Typically coloured green or brown to blend into their surroundings, these structures are an obvious sign of underground cables, so you should never dig or plant trees or shrubs near them.

If you are in the Endeavour Energy area and see that a cover has come loose or a vehicle has made contact with a padmount or pillar box, please contact us immediately on 131 003.

Powerlines down

While we construct our network to withstand strong winds and storms, for different reasons powerlines can come down. If you see powerlines down, please make absolutely sure you stay at least eight metres clear of them and anything they’re touching. You should warn others to do the same and contact us immediately on 131 003 . Never assume powerlines are ‘dead’ or de-energised as they can be remotely switched on or “re-energise” in an instant.

Safe boating and flying

Sadly, many serious incidents have been caused by recreational pilots, boaters and yachties hitting overhead powerlines as they cross open fields and waterways. For tips and steps you can take to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of the public please download and read our brochures:

Transport for NSW has produced a series of maps showing the location of overhead powerlines and submarine cables. They are a vital tool for safe navigation and can help keep you safe on the water. You can buy the maps online or through your local Transport for NSW Office, or download copies to your smartphone.

Find out more here:

Unauthorised access to electricity network (graffiti, trespass and vandalism)

Electrical equipment is often the target of graffiti and other forms of vandalism. These actions not only place the vandals at great risk, but they also threaten innocent members of the public attempting to repair the damage.

If you see graffiti or broken equipment please report it to Endeavour Energy on 131 081 so we can make repairs safely and restore the equipment to its safe state. Never attempt to repair it yourself. If you see someone trespassing please contact your local Police Station or Crime Stoppers immediately.

Building structures under powerlines

Electricity, under certain conditions, can arc in an instant, jumping from powerlines to nearby objects or people. This is why we allocate easements below and to either side of powerlines. The easement is required to remain clear of debris, equipment and structures at all times.

Structures built under or too close to powerlines can create a fire and electrocution risk to the property occupier, tradespeople and our staff when they need to make repairs. Typical examples of structures that should never be built or located under or close to powerlines or the point of attachment include:

  • carports and verandas
  • caravans, sheds, chicken sheds and animal shelters in paddocks
  • dams, pools and fences
  • balconies and awnings

Structures being built within easements present risks to the public, our staff and property occupiers. If you have any questions regarding easements please contact Endeavour Energy on 131 081 or read our safety leaflet: Where to draw the line on safety clearances