Substations, mini pillars and safety

Ensure ground-mounted utility infrastructure is kept clear of obstructions.

Keeping ground-mounted utility infrastructure clear of obstructions helps to ensure the safety and reliability of your electricity supply.

Three important things to remember

• Plants, shrubs and other obstructions must be kept clear of network infrastructure, which includes substations, mini pillars and meters.
• In most cases, the minimum clearance is 1.5 metres.
• ActewAGL inspectors will issue notices to land owners and occupiers if plants, shrubs and other obstructions are too close to, or interfere with, network infrastructure.

Why does ground-mounted infrastructure need to be kept clear?

• To ensure safe operation, maintenance and replacement.
• Provide access for personnel and specialised tools.
• In the case of emergency switching or equipment failure.

Your surrounding neighbourhood may be severely disrupted for an extended period if there is not clear access to network infrastructure. Urgent access may require removal of obstructions, which will not be replaced, or severe pruning of vegetation.

What is the clearance distance?

Infrastructure should be kept 1.5 meters clear of obstructions.

Plants, shrubs and other obstructions that are too close to substations, mini pillars and meters may interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the electricity network, hinder access and may reduce the reliability of the network.