Cut or Trim Notices

Tree interference with Power Lines

Trees that grow too close to power lines 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 Horizon Energy’s 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.
• Purposely planted production trees e.g, forest harvesting.

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 Horizon Energy’s electricity network.

The work must be completed within the time frame stated on the cut or trim notice and you must notify Horizon Energy at least three 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 Horizon Energy completing the work necessary, at your expense, to remove any immediate hazard to persons, property or electricity conductors.

Horizon Energy 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 four metres of a power line without approval.  In the Eastern Bay of Plenty region, this approval can only be granted by Horizon Energy.

An approved contractor must be used if any part of the tree is within four metres of the power lines.

CALL HORIZON ENERGY FIRST |0800 467 496

Action to be Taken Codes

The above table explains the action codes that may appear on the notice.

Growth Limit Zone