The inspections are part of a network-wide bushfire safety plan to reduce the risk of fires starting from Ausgrid’s electricity network and private electrical assets.

Out of the 5000-plus privately-owned poles in the Cessnock local government area, about 3300 are in bushfire-prone areas, and property owners and occupiers are responsible for their safe maintenance and operation.

Ausgrid crews will be looking for bushfire hazards such as trees growing too close, broken or frayed powerlines or damaged equipment such as cross-arms.

Aerial patrols of Ausgrid’s network ahead of the bushfire season have also been used to check private poles in some bushfire-prone areas.

During the next stage of ground-based patrols, Ausgrid and its contractors will need to enter properties to carry out detailed above and below-ground bushfire safety inspections of private poles. This involves digging carefully around the base of poles to check for signs of deterioration.

Property owners will be given notice of all visits and are asked to contact the inspections team if there are any access issues such as locked gates or livestock.

If inspectors identify bushfire hazards they will notify the property owner or occupier of any work required to make their poles and powerlines safe.

Property owners are expected to arrange their own regular safety inspections of poles and powerlines, including any sub-mains (privately-owned powerlines that extend beyond the customer’s main meter board).

Any repair work required must be done by a licensed electrician, and trees and branches growing within safe clearance distances should be removed by a qualified tree trimmer.

For more information, visit www.ausgrid.com.au/privatepoles.