Ownership and maintenance of lines on private land

Electricity Commission RMAG: 17 January 20088 Ownership and maintenance of lines on private land Prepared by: Ron Beatty Senior Adviser Retail Discussion and approval

Electricity Commission Board meeting: 17 January 2008 26 November 2007 Ownership and maintenance of lines on private land Purpose 1. The purpose of this paper is to seek the Retail Market Advisory Group s (RMAG) input to the attached information paper on ownership and maintenance of lines on private land prior to the information undergoing legal review. Introduction and background 2. The Model Distribution Arrangements Review Panel (MDARP) was established by the Electricity Commission (Commission) to review the model use of systems agreements (MUoSA). The MUoSa are the agreements between network companies and electricity retailers relating to the use of the distribution network. As part of this work, the Commission Board (Board) wanted to clarify the consumer s responsibilities for lines on private land. In particular, the Board wanted to know if consumers were responsible for replacement as well as maintenance, and their historic rights and obligations in relation to those lines. In addition the Board also wanted the MDARP to consider where the consumer s responsibility for lines on private land commenced. 3. The MDARP recommended that the consumer be responsible for lines on private land and suggested a clause be inserted into the contract that would require retailers to procure in their agreements with consumers an acknowledgement of the consumer s responsibility for lines on private land (including responsibility for maintenance, repair, replacement and enhancement). MDARP noted that the point of supply is quite a separate concept from the point of connection but that consumers are responsible for the line from the point of connection based on the fact that the line from the point of connection is privately owned. 4. However the ownership of lines on private land does not always lie with the consumer and the Board instructed Commission staff to develop, in conjunction with stakeholders and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), a information paper to identify the responsibility for maintenance of lines on private land under various scenarios in both rural and urban situations. 2

Electricity Commission RMAG: 17 January 20088 Development of the information paper Information paper 5. In considering different scenarios, it became obvious that there was a lack of clarity on the ownership and maintenance of lines on private land, most of which arose from the frequent changes in legislation on the issue and lack of documentation on specific lines, and differing policies by distributors. 6. The range of people involved in the ownership issue extends beyond consumers and affects, among others: landowners; subdividers legal firms involved in conveyancing and subdivision; network companies; the Electricity and Gas Complaints ComissionerCommissioner; the Electricity Networks Association; and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED). 7. Over the last 10 years there have been a number of legal opinions and papers on the subject. 8. Background material researched in preparing the attached information paper included previous studies by various groups along with a review of the discussions and legal opinions by and to the MDARP together with its final report. In addition, material researched included: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) A report to the Electricity Networks Association by Charter Consulting; A legal opinion from Simpson Grierson prepared for Counties Power; Comment from MED on the Charter Consulting paper; A memo from Buddle Findlay prepared for the Commission; Email discussions on the subject between MDARP members; and Commission Board minutes. 3

Electricity Commission RMAG: 17 January 20088 9. Interviews and discussions were carried out with stakeholders including: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission; Orion; Powerco; The Lines Company; Contact; Vector; (g) Major Electricity Users Group ; (h) (i) (j) Grey Power; Buddle Findlay; and The Commission. 10. No simple solution emerged from the analysis, which highlighted that the ownership of any particular line on private property was dependent on a number of issues which may include: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) year of construction; contract with network company; easements on property(s) the line traverses; whether the line supplies one or more properties; the voltage of the supply; the network companies policies; and transfer of ownership arrangements. 11. Rather than produce another opinion on the matter, an information paper setting out the background and some typical scenarios along with the information which should be obtained by all parties affected by lines on private land has been developed. The purpose is to encourage early identification of issues and to encourage the gathering of appropriate information to assist in avoidance of disputes and/or the early resolution of any disputes that do arise. 4

Electricity Commission RMAG: 17 January 20088 Attachments 12. The following item is attached to this paper: Appendix 1: Information paper on ownership and maintenance of lines on private land. Recommendations 13. It is recommended that the RMAG: (b) discuss the attached information paper; agree that the attached information paper be forwarded to the Board with a recommendation that it be published on the Commission s website. Ron Beatty Senior Adviser Retail 5

Electricity Commission RMAG: 17 January 20088 Appendix 1 Information paper on ownership and maintenance of lines on private land 6

Information paper on ownership and maintenance of lines on private land This paper is provided for information only and is not legal advice. While the Commission has taken every care in the preparation of this paper, the Commission offers no warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy of completeness of the content. The Commission will not be liable or responsible to any person for direct or indirect loss or damage that may result from the action or failure to act of any person in reliance on the information in this paper. Purpose 1. This is an information paper on issues relating to the ownership and maintenance of lines on private land. Its purpose is to: (b) (c) (d) give an overview of the issues; highlight the potential problems that can occur if the rights and obligations relating to lines are not clear; provide suggestions as to how potential problems can be minimised both for existing and yet to be built lines; and set out information which parties may find useful when establishing the ownership of and responsibility for, any particular line. 2. In this paper, consumer service lines refers to lines between the network of lines owned by the distributor (the network ) and a consumer s premises. Consumer service lines may be owned by the consumer alone or in part by a third party (e.g. in the case of a subdivided property where the last length of line to the consumer s premises branches off a line owned by the neighbouring consumer). Executive Summary 3. Legislation regarding responsibility for consumer service lines has changed many times and who is responsible for a line is often not straightforward. 7

4. If it is unclear who owns or is responsible for maintaining a particular consumer service line located on private land, researching the following information may be helpful: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) When was the line built? Which legislation was in place when the line was built? Is there any paperwork related to the building or ownership of the line? Is there a specific contract or easement that covers the ownership and/or maintenance of the line? Whose land does the line cross? Does the line cross public land or private land owned by another party? Where is the Point of Supply (POS)? Where is the Point of Connections (POC)? What were the standard terms and conditions of supply of the network company at the time the line was built? What is the network company s current policy? Who has maintained the supply line in the past? Whose land does the line cross? How many parties are supplied by the line? Background 5. The issue of ownership and responsibility for maintenance of consumer service lines on private land is not always clear. 6. A consumer service line on private land is generally owned by the owner of the private land on which the line is located. However, in many cases, the landowner is not aware of this. Therefore, the Electricity Commission (Commission) has developed, in conjunction with stakeholders and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), this information paper to assist consumers and network companies in establishing who owns a consumer service line and who may be responsible for maintaining the line. 8

Introduction 7. This paper provides an overview of the issues relating to ownership and maintenance of consumer service lines located on private land, clarifies the terminology, gives an indication of the rights and obligations of various parties, and highlights the potential problems that can occur if the rights and obligations relating to lines are not clear. It also sets out the information which parties will need to obtain in order to establish the situation for any particular consumer service line. 8. The Model Distribution Arrangements Review Panel (MDARP) was established by the Commission to review the model use of systems agreements (MUoSA). The MUoSA are the agreements between network companies and electricity retailers relating to the use of the distribution network. 9.As part of this work, the Commission wanted to clarify consumers responsibilities for consumer service lines. In particular, the Commission wanted to know if consumers were responsible for replacing consumer service lines located on private land as well as maintaining consumer service lines, and consumers historic rights and obligations for lines. The Commission also wanted MDARP to consider where consumers responsibility for consumer service lines commenced. 10.MDARP recommended that a consumer should be responsible for lines on the consumer s private land, and suggested that a clause should be inserted into the MUoSA that would require a retailer to procure in its agreement with a consumer an acknowledgement of the consumer s responsibility for lines on private land (including responsibility for repair, replacement and enhancement). 11.9. MDARP noted that the point of supply (POS) is quite a separate concept from point of connection (POC), but that consumers are responsible for the line from the point of connection based on the fact that the line from the point of connection is privately owned. 10. The legal position regarding who owns and is responsible for maintaining lines on private property can vary between consumers, depending on the legislation in place at the time that the relevant line was built, and whether subsequent contractual arrangements altered the initial legal position. 11. In addition, various terms are used to describe lines on private land supplying few consumers, which has a tendency to cause confusion. 9

12. The Electricity Act 1992 protected rights of access for owners of lines built or under construction as at 1 January 1993. This enabled (but did not require) existing owners of lines to maintain those lines, up to the POS. For lines built after 1 January 1993, easements or other legal arrangements were required to allow for building and access for maintenance. 13. Problems arise in relation to lines that are built on private property as repairs, maintenance, and replacement can be very expensive and there is often no clear documentation regarding the ownership of, and hence responsibility for, these lines. Private land may be subdivided or change hands numerous times and additional consumers may have subsequently been connected to rely on a particular line 14. The aim of this paper is to encourage all affected parties (ie, distributors, retailers, landowners, and consumers) to clearly establish ownership, access rights, and responsibility for maintenance of lines located on private land Terminology 15. Appendix 1 of this paper includes relevant definitions from the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity Governance Rules 2003. Consumer service lines 16. Consumer service lines fall into two main categories when considering the applicability of legislation, rights, and obligations. They are: lines built prior to 1993, and those built from 1993 onwards. 17. For consumer service lines built from 1993 onwards, most, but not all, network companies have required the consumer to own the line. Ownership (and maintenance responsibilities) for lines built from 1993 is therefore normally clear. Why issues arise with consumer service lines 18. Problems arise with consumer service lines when it is unclear who owns the line, where the POS is, and where the POC is. This can occur because: It is often decades since consumer service lines were originally built and over time documentation, if it ever existed, has been lost; and 10

(b) (c) Legislation dealing with consumer service lines has changed a number of times over the past 100 years. The requirement for maintenance or replacement is usually caused by either a dangerous situation existing, or failure of the service line and the consumer is without electricity supply. Due to urgency of restoring supply and avoiding consequential damage, there is then little time for consumers or the distributor to research who has the responsibility for maintenance and replacement, leading to complex disputes. 19. Standard consumer contracts do not normally deal well with ownership of consumer service lines because the legal position may vary significantly from consumer to consumer, and therefore these contracts generally indicate only that the customer is responsible for maintenance for consumer service lines downstream from the POS. What sort of issues arise over consumer service lines 20. The issues which give rise to the potential problems with consumer service lines relate to ownership of a particular line and access rights for the purpose of maintaining the line. As a staring point, the owner of the line is usually responsible for maintenance and repair of a consumer service line, and the associated costs. 23.Disputes generally arise when maintenance, repair, or replacement is required and neither the consumer nor the network company believes that they own the consumer service line or that they should assume responsibility for it. [suggest this para is deleted as it is repetitious] 21. Problems can occur where a supply line crosses a third party s land without easement (e.g. a family member builds on the same block of land, and it is subdivided and sold at a later date, without an easement being registered) and what were once lines downstream of the POS become supply lines on private land owned by another party. 22. The next sections address common issues relating to ownership and maintenance of consumer service lines. 11

Issues related to ownership and responsibility for maintenance and repair for consumer service lines built from 1993 onwards Ownership and maintenance 23. Consumer service lines built from 1993 onwards should generally have clearer ownership as easements are more likely to be in place. As noted above, in general the responsibility for maintaining (including repairing) a consumer service line rests with the owner of that line, unless the owner and a third party have agreed otherwise. 24. In most networks, the local distributor will not assume responsibility for maintenance or repairs of consumer service lines, (unless it has a specific agreement with the relevant customer) and it will expect that customer to pay the full costs involved. That is, the distribution company may carry out repairs and maintenance but only on the basis that it is the contractor for the owner. 25. However, some local distributors have decided, as a matter of policy, to assume responsibility for maintenance and repair of consumer service lines (for example, Orion in Canterbury). 26. To date there appear to have been few disputes relating to consumer service lines built from 1993 onwards. This could reflect clearer documentation for those lines, but it may also reflect the fact that major replacement (and hence expense) has not yet occurred. 27. It is important for both consumers and network companies to maintain records of ownership so that as time passes the ownership situation is clear. It should be noted that the party who does not own the line may also wish to make sure that this is documented as this is a situation where parties wish to prove someone other than themselves owns the lines. Access to affect maintenance 28. Access to private land for consumer service lines built since 1993 is not protected by specific electricity industry regulation. Owners need to have an easement to access a third party s land to effect repairs and maintenance. 29. In general, this appears to have been done since 1993 and there are few problems occurring. 12

31.30. However, problems can occur if, for instance, land is subdivided. For example, problems can occur where a consumer service line crosses a third party s land without first ensuring an easement is obtained (e.g. a family member builds on the same block of land, and it is subdivided and sold at a later date, without an easement being registered). Those responsible for the subdivision should ensure that they put in place appropriate easements and those purchasing should also check that easements are in place. 31. It is likely that as time passes, and the original parties involved in the creation of consumer service lines change, lines built from 1993 onwards could become more problematic. It is therefore important that ownership of and rights to access lines are documented. Issues related to ownership and responsibility for maintenance and repair for consumer service lines built prior to 1993 33.32. For lines built prior to 1993, identifying ownership can be problematic as there may be no documentation stating clearly who originally owned the lines and additional parties may have been supplied from the lines. The lack of clarity becomes a problem when repairs and maintenance are required and costs (which can be considerable) must be incurred. 34.33. Section 23 of the Act gives an owner of existing works the right to enter land for the purpose of maintaining those works. Existing works are (in broad terms) lines in existence before 1 January 1993. 35.34. Section 23 was included to avoid the effect of the repeal of the previous legislation. It essentially preserves the rights of existing owners of lines located on land not owned by them to access such works for maintenance. 36.35. Section 22A provides that the Act does not oblige an owner or occupier of land on which existing works owned by a third party are situated to maintain such works. 37.36. In terms of who actually maintains and repairs lines, the situation varies from network to network. Some distributors have taken the approach that they do not wish to own or be responsible for any consumer service lines(which are not owned by the distributor) while at least one has taken the approach that it is prepared to be responsible for repairs and maintenance of consumer service lines, regardless of ownership. 13

38.37. Once built, provided they are maintained, lines can be in place for many decades and this tends to be a contributing factor to the lack of clarity around ownership. There are numerous statutory provisions covering consumer service lines dating back for almost a century and consumer service lines built many decades ago could be affected by several pieces of legislation. Determination of ownership 39.38. Ownership cannot be automatically determined based on who funded the building of lines. It cannot be assumed that just because the customer paid for the consumer service line by way of a capital contribution that they have any claim to ownership. 40.39. Distributors can not simply state they are gifting consumer service lines to their customers. A gift must be accepted and it is not possible for a distributor to avoid ownership by merely announcing it is gifting lines. Types of disputes that can occur 41.40. Below are a number of examples which highlight the potential areas of dispute. They do not represent the full range of potential issues and are included to illustrate the type of problems that may occur. These examples are followed by a discussion on steps that can be taken to avoid or deal with these problems. Example one 42.41. A property was subdivided leaving part of the consumer service line on the newly created lot. Therefore the consumer service line runs through a newly created section to reach the house which is now on a back section. The network company states that its responsibility ends where the supply line enter the private property. This was the previous POS i.e. the property boundary when it was one section. In this case it is not clear who owns the consumer service line on the newly subdivided property. 43.42. Is the owner the person who initially owned the land, the network company, or the third party who purchased the newly subdivided land? If the third party is responsible, then with no easement in place it is not clear if they have an obligation to maintain supply to the other house. 44.43. Below is a diagram illustrating example one. 14

Power Pole Public Road Road Reserve Distributor 11kV overhead line Property Boundary before subdivision POS and POC prior to subdivision Supply Line created by subdivision New property boundary Consumer New POS and also point of connection if supply lines owned by distributor Example two 45.44. A new subdivision is created with eight lots. All lots are supplied from a pillar on one of the lots. There is also a consumer service line on the shared driveway to the road side. The network company states that it does not own either the shared line or the pillar. In this case there is a lack of clarity regarding ownership. 46.45. It is likely that the property developer paid for the line and the pillar. There should be an easement in place covering maintenance of services on the drive. If there is no easement in place and no provision in the land titles then it is not clear if ownership transferred when the lots were sold and the developer had no further interest in the land? Without an easement and provision in the titles the following questions arise: 15

(b) (c) (d) Are they owned jointly and is everyone jointly responsible regardless of their distance from the pillar and the length of line required to serve them. Do they all own equal shares regardless of the value of their property? What if the line between two of the lots requires repair, is that a joint responsibility for all eight lot holders or just the ones affected? What rights of access are there for the other property owners to the pillar which is on one property? 47.46. Below is a diagram which illustrates this example. Supply to new subdivision Public road Supply line Pillar on lot 2's land Private Road Possible POC supply line POS's and possible POC 11kV line 16

What steps can be taken to avoid or deal with these problems 48.47. To mitigate disputes over ownership and responsibility for existing lines and to avoid problems in the future there are steps that can be taken. These are outlined below: Steps all parties can take 49.48. As the ownership of a consumer service line, and responsibilities for maintaining and repairing that line, is governed by statutory provisions as well as any contracts that were in place at the time of building, each case must be researched independently. Understanding the individual circumstances and locating any relevant paper work well in advance of any dispute arising is recommended for all parties as there may be different perceptions and also access to different documentation. The information which will be helpful in deciding in each particular circumstance includes: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) When was the line built? Which legislation was in place when the line was built? Is there any paperwork related to the building or ownership of the line? Is there a specific contract or easement that covers the ownership and/or maintenance of the line? Whose land does the line cross? Does the line cross public land or private land owned by another party? Where is the Point of Supply (POS)? Where is the Point of Connections (POC)? What were the standard terms and conditions of supply of the network company at the time the line was built? What is the network company s current policy? Who has maintained the supply line in the past? 50.49. The answers to these questions may not completely resolve the matters in dispute, but may assist any investigation of ownership and responsibility. 17

Steps distributors can take 51.50. Distributors should clearly communicate company policy to anyone potentially affected or with the ability to influence those affected. This should include electricity retailers, consumers, land developers, lawyers, and councils. Publishing the company s policy on the website would provide a valuable source of information to affected parties. 52.51. Undertake the proactive identification of consumer service lines where you believe that the POC is upstream of the POS. This should include advice to customers. 53.52. Compile and maintain documentation on the ownership and responsibility for consumer service lines including those you do not believe that you own, where you believe there could be potential for disputes in the future. Steps retailers can take 54.53. Ensure that your retail team is fully aware of the network company s policy on consumer service lines in each area that you supply. 58.54. Develop contracts which as clearly as possible set out the situation should the customer be affected by supply linesconsumer service lines. The latest Contact Energy terms and conditions dated [x] handle this well. Below is an extract. With the exception of metering equipment, you are responsible for the maintenance, repair, replacement and enhancement of all energy supply equipment beyond the POS. The electricity POS is usually at the pole fuse for an overhead connection and property boundary for an underground connection. The gas POS is usually where your gas installation connects to the outlet of the gas metering equipment. However, there are exceptions to the above general rules. If energy supply equipment entering your property is also supplying someone else then the POS is where the supply becomes exclusive to you, however you may be required to pay for, or own and maintain, the shared energy supply equipment required to supply your property between the network and your POS. Where part of the exclusive supply to your property is located on a neighbour's property, then you may be required to own and maintain the energy supply equipment on their property that is exclusive to you. 18

Where you have entered into a contract which defines the POS as being elsewhere, then the POS will be as defined in that contract. Please contact us or the network operator if you have any queries." 59.55. Relevant definitions at the end of the Contact Energy terms and conditions are: 'energy supply equipment means the service mains, pipes, poles, wires, fittings, metering equipment and any other assets relating to the supply of energy. metering equipment means any meter or associated equipment used to measure and/or provide information about your energy usage, and to regulate and/or control the supply of energy to your property. network means the energy supply equipment owned by the network operator that is used to transport energy to points of supply. POS means the point at which the responsibility for energy supply equipment transfers to you. Steps consumers can take 56. Consumers can take the following steps: (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Be proactive in identifying consumer services lines used to supply your property. Purchasers of land where the supply is via supply lines, or purchasers of land where there is a supply line crossing over it, should check that appropriate easements are in place Understand your local network company policy and where it believes the POC is located. If there are other parties (i.e. neighbours) affected, discuss the situation with them and try to come to a united position to present to other parties. Maintain documentation on consumer service lines affecting you including those you do not believe you own where you believe there could be potential for disputes in the future. Ensure that if you are creating a new supply line you have the appropriate easements and documentation in place and that you understand how the newly created lines affect both you and anyone else supplied by them. Communicate this with anyone likely to be affected. 19

(g) If you are responsible for a supply line, ensure that you are aware of your obligations and rights relating to maintenance, replacement, and access. Steps subdividers, advisers and Councils can take 58.57. Steps which can be taken by tthose wishing to subdivide land or to advise on subdividing land, councils, lawyers, etc can take the following steps: (b) (c) Research and understand local network company policy. Research and understand current legislation relating to consumer service lines. Ensure that the creation of new consumer service lines (e.g. via subdivision which moves the POS downstream) is covered by the establishment of easements and that there is agreement with the network company on who will own that supply line and who will be responsible for its maintenance and replacement. Steps lawyers can take 59.58. Lawyers assisting in the subdivision or purchase of land can take the following steps: Ask subdividers or purchasers if there are electricity service lines that cross the land, and check for easements, and advise on any maintenance or ownership issues for those lines. (b) (c) Ensure that that any consumer service lines are clearly identified and their status with the network company understood. Ensure that if the purchaser is to be responsible for the supply line then there are appropriate easements in place or that statutory provisions provide them with access. Conclusion 60.59. For existing consumer service lines, it is likely that disputes will still occur due to the expensive nature of maintenance and replacement of these assets and the frequent lack of clear documentation of responsibility. However if the 20

steps outlined above are taken the number and level of disputes should be minimised. 61.60. For new lines, if the steps outlined above are taken, then it should be possible to avoid future disputes. 21

Appendix 1: Legislative definitions 62.1. Electrical installation is defined in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992 as follows: Electrical installation Means all fittings: (i) (ii) That form part of a system for conveying electricity; and That form part of such a system at any point from the point of supply to a consumer to any point from which electricity conveyed through that system may be consumed; and (b) (c) Includes any fittings that are used, or designed or intended for use, by any person, or in connection with the generation of electricity for that person s use and not for supply to any other person; but Does not include any electrical appliance. 63.2. Fittings is defined in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992 as follows: Fittings means everything used, or designed or intended for use, in or in connection with the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance or use of electricity. 64.3. Point of connection (POC): is defined in the Electricity Governance Rules 2003 (Rules) as follows: Point of Connection means a point where electricity may flow into or out of the grid, local network or embedded network. 65.4. Point of Supply (POS) is defined in section 2(3) of the Electricity Act 1992 as follows: [(3) In this Act, point of supply, in relation to a property, means the point or points on the boundary of the property at which exclusive fittings enter that property, except that, If there are both high voltage lines and a transformer owned by the electricity distributor on the property, the point of supply is the point at which electricity from the transformer enters exclusive fittings; or 22

(b) (c) (d) If there are non-exclusive fittings on the property, the point of supply is the point at which those fittings become exclusive fittings; or If the exclusive fittings on the property are owned by a consumer that is a tenant or licensee of the owner or occupier of the property, the point of supply is the point at which those exclusive fittings enter the area leased or licensed by the consumer; or If there is specific agreement that any other point on the property is the point of supply, the point of supply is the agreed point; and, in this definition, Exclusive fittings means fittings used or intended to be used for the purpose of supplying electricity exclusively to that property High voltage lines means lines conveying electricity at a voltage of 1000 volts or more Property (b) (c) means the land within the boundary where the electricity is consumed: includes the whole of the property, if the property is occupied wholly or partially by tenants or licensees of the owner or occupier: includes the whole of any property that has been subdivided under the Unit Titles Act 1972 Specific agreement may be an agreement entered into by (i) (ii) the existing consumer; or any person with a greater interest in the property than the consumer (such as the consumer's landlord); or 23

(iii) any body corporate under the Unit Titles Act 1972 or the registered proprietor of the land to which the unit plan relates; and (b) (c) entered into by the electricity distributor or the electricity retailer; and entered into before or after the date on which this provision comes into force.] 66.5. Works is defined in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992 as follows: Works (b) Means any fittings that are used, or designed or intended for use, in or in connection with the generation, conversion, transformation, or conveyance of electricity; but Does not include- (i) (ii) Any fittings that are used, or designed or intended for use, by any person, in or in connection with the generation of electricity for that person s use and not for supply to any other person; or Any part of any electrical installation. 24

Appendix 2: Point of supply and point of connection diagrams 25

Farm supplied at 230/400 Volts 11kV line on road -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Public Road POS and POC Farm Buildings Property boundaries ---------- ----------- ---------- Transformer Pole Pole with isolating device 26

Farm supplied at 11,000 volts 11kV line on road Public road Lines business' 11kV line and transformer on private land POS and POC Farm Buildings Property boundaries Transformer Pole Pole with isolating device 27

Rural 11kV supply, with 11kV and 230/400V lines on private property 11kV line owned by the lines business Public Road POS and possible POC to A Possible POC for A, B & C Lines business transformer POS and POC to B POS and possible POC to C Supply Lines Farm A Farm B Farm C Property boundaries Transformer Pole Pole with isolating device 28

Supply to single urban properties Transformer 230/400V line Public Road Possible POC to D Supply Line 11kV line POS abd POC to A POS and POC to B POS and POC to C POS and possible POC to D Property A Property B Property C Property D Property boundaries Transformer Pole Pole with isolating device 29

Supply to three houses where lines cross private property Public road Possible POC to A,B and C Private shared driveway Supply Lines POS and possible POC to C POS and possible POC to A POS and possible POC to B Property A Property B Property C 230/400V line Property boundaries Pole Pole with isolating device 30

Supply to group of houses/shops on common title Public road Property with seperately owned buildings (shopping mall, unit title, airport etc) POS and POC Private transformer Private wiring between buildings 11kV line Property boundaries Transformer Pole with isolating device 31

Supply to consumer with supply line crossing neighbour's property Power Pole Public Road Road Reserve Distributor 11kV overhead line Property A's Boundary Point of connection if supply line owned by consumer Supply Line Property B's boundary Consumer PoS Elect Act1992 and point of connection if supply lines owned by distributor 32