MANAGING TREES & DIGGING NEAR LINES
Customers can be liable for any damage caused so call us to make sure the right expert is engaged for the work required. Te Aponga Uira can assist with clearing foliage from obstructing the overhead power lines, which run from pole to pole. Our contractor ensures that these low voltage (LV) lines are free from obstruction and potential threats to stability. However, from the main service line from the pole or pillar to your property, you will need to exercise caution when clearing any overhanging branches, or trees nearby.
How can you prepare your property to reduce the impact on you?
- Trim your trees: trim back any foliage from obstructing the overhead power lines.
- Use a professional: Hire a qualified professional to trim back all foliage that is too close to the power lines.
- Plant appropriately: When planting trees (coconut trees, other fruit trees etc) please consider appropriate plants for your property. You should avoid planting near power poles/lines or consider low growth trees as an alternative.
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines?
If you cut down some branches and they fall on the power lines, what should you do?
- Call our 24/7 Fault Line – Phone:+682-25257.
- We need the following information:
- Customer Name.
- Connection number of premises.
Nature of the issue/complaint (total power loss, electric shock, low voltage or dangerous situation).
- Location or directions to premises.
Planning to dig near lines?
- Call emergency services on 999
- Call TAU’s Fault Line on phone: +682 – 25257
- Keep bystanders clear
- Wait for TAU to attend to make the area safe
If you see a fallen overhead cable or pole, always assume that it is live. Do not go near it, touch it or anything that is in contact with it. Electricity from powerlines can jump or ‘arc’ through the air and travel to earth through your body, resulting in an electric shock.
In the event of an electrical accident involving power lines:
- in a life threatening emergency, call emergency services on 999.
- phone TAU’s dedicated Fault Line on phone:+682 – 25257 to report a fallen power line and to make the area safe.
- do not go near an injured person if it means going near the powerlines.
- standback and urge the other bystanders to keep a safe distance of at least 8 metres.
- do not approach the area until TAU Network Field Services have made the area safe.
Note: In addition to the fallen powerlines, there may also be damage to support structures and equipment. It may not be easy to see damage to structures, so always keep a safe distance.
To avoid electrical incidents within the home, we encourage customers to have their electrical wiring checked regularly by a qualified Cook Islands Electrical Contractor and replace any faulty appliances in the home.
If an electrical accident occurs in the home:
- in a life threatening emergency, call emergency services on 999.
- do not go near the injured person/s if they are still in contact with the electrical current.
- if the area is safe, check the injured person/s for response, airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary start resuscitation. Do not touch burns, break blisters or remove burned clothing.
- always seek medical advice after an electric shock, even if injury is not apparent.
- please contact a qualified Cook Islands Electrical Contractor to check the wiring and establish the cause of the incident.
If your vehicle is in contact with a power pole and brings down the powerline it is safest to remain in the vehicle and wait for emergency services to arrive. As a guide:
turn the vehicle off to cut the fuel supply.
call emergency services on 999 ( emergency services will contact TAU to make the area safe).
if possible remain in the vehicle until the power has been isolated and the area has been made safe
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer support team
FAULT LINE 24/7
+682-25257
Tutakimoa, Rarotonga
Cook Islands.
Phone: +682-20054 | Email: enquiries@electricity.co.ck
