It is very important to always take care when working near overhead power lines to avoid damage, disruption, injury and even death from accidental contact.

You don’t even have to touch an overhead power line for it to be fatal. Electricity can jump from powerlines to metal objects like ladders or cranes in an instant.

Many outdoor activities can be hazardous around powerlines:

• pruning or cutting trees 
• carrying or lifting tall objects 
• climbing trees
• operating heavy machinery and other tall equipment
• construction work
• painting or working from ladders or scaffolding
• working on or retrieving play items from roofs and gutters
• installing a television antenna
• kite flying
• boating
• playing in the street or park

Make sure you always:

• Keep a safe distance or clearance from overhead powerlines
• Consider appropriate clearances when working around powerlines as the safe distance can vary according to the size and voltage of the powerline
• Look up to check the location and distance of powerlines before beginning any outdoor activity
• Set-up or build structures well away from powerlines

Powerlines & Trees

Trees provide shade and privacy for our homes and shelter for nature. But remember the fact that trees and powerlines do not mix. Trees coming into contact with powerlines are one of the main causes of power supply problems.

• Before you plant, look up. If powerlines are immediately above, do not plant trees if the plant will one day grow to reach the power line.
• Stay away from fallen power lines. If you see a fallen power line, report it to the National Call Centre on 7090 8000 or report it to your nearest PNG Power Ltd office.
• Do not carry long rods or metal pipes near power lines. If they come in contact with power lines, you can be electrocuted.
• Do not lean or swing on stay wires or even touch them. The stay wire can snap or electricity currents can travel through the wire and cause serious injuries or death.
• Do not let trees grow near power lines. If you have or see trees growing near power lines, please report it to the National Call Centre on Toll Free Number, 116 or report it to your nearest PNG Power Ltd office.
• Report any rusty power poles to the nearest to the National Call Centre or your nearest PNG Power Ltd office.
• Keep shoes on your feet and off the power lines! Do not throw shoes on power lines, as they can interrupt electricity supply to your area.

Low lying or fallen power lines

Quite often power poles and lines succumb to PNG’s unpredictable and often wild weather seasons. Strong winds, heavy rains, and factors like trees falling affect the distribution network around the country. Often you will come across a leaning power pole with low power lines due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. In worst cases, you will see fallen power poles and/or power lines caused by trees falling on them. If you see low lying or downed (fallen) power lines, please inform the National Call Centre immediately.

Low lying or downed power lines pose high risks of injury or even death if you go near them. 

Please stay away from fallen power lines and report it to the National Call Centre Toll Free Number on 116.

You can also email on callcentre@pngpower.com.pg

If your power goes out, from the safety of your own home or workplace, look out the window and if you can see or hear something that could help identify the problem, like hanging powerlines or a loud bang, stay well clear and contact us on Toll Free 116. Precise details will assist our emergency crews to restore power.

In case of a life threatening emergency, call 111 for ambulance services.

Remember, during a storm or cyclone or when the power is out, telephone lines may be congested or damaged so please be patient.

Any electrical faults, including brown outs, might be caused by fallen powerlines. Always assume fallen powerlines are live. Stay well clear and warn others.

PNG Power Ltd’s main objective is to provide a safe environment and reliable supply of electricity to its valued customers.

Trees touching power lines and branches falling on them are a proven risk to public safety, resulting in unscheduled power outages. Most unplanned power outages are caused by vegetation within the vicinity of power lines.

PNG Power has responsibilities to maintain safe clearances between vegetation and power lines.

These responsibilities may be carried out by their officers or agents to do all or any of the following:

• cut and remove from any Crown, native or private land any tree or any branch, bough or other part of a tree growing on such lands within 30 meters of any main or sub-main used for conducting energy and which may in any way affect or interfere with the works. Therefore if you are intending to plant trees, please plant them 30 metres away from any power pole and line. 

Should you spot any power line touching any vegetation, do not attempt to trim or cut the vegetation. Always treat every line as being live regardless whether they are sparking or arcing. If you are operating heavy machinery near overhead power lines, always consider the following: 

• Check in advance that machinery will travel clear of overhead and stay wires
• Always place ground markers and signboards near wires to remind workers and members of the public to be aware of overhead power lines
• Place stickers on heavy machinery to remind operators to look up and live.

Before you dig or construct, it is very important to always take care when working near underground electricity cables to avoid damage, disruption, injury and even death from accidental contact.

If you live in an area where there are power lines, take a moment to think carefully before proceeding to dig or do construction works. It is possible there may be electricity cables under your property, roads or footpaths.

Call us on 70908000, 76535261 or 76535272 before you even plan to dig or construct.