If the power pole on your property only supplies your home or complex, it is usually your responsibility, not Energex’s. When it rots, leans or gets a defect notice, Fully Wired manages the whole replacement: inspection, a fixed quote, a specialist pole crew, Energex coordination and certification.
Many of these poles are decades-old timber. From the outside they can look fine while the core has rotted away at ground level. That is exactly what we found in Kenmore, where a pole we had flagged for replacement collapsed before the planned work, bringing the line down with it.
If a pole or line is down, stay well clear, treat it as live and call Energex on 13 19 62, then call us.
Moisture and fungi attack timber where it meets the soil. This is the most common reason poles fail.
Termites hollow out the core and leave a thin shell that hides the damage.
Deep vertical splits let water in and weaken the pole under the line’s tension.
A lean means the base or the soil is failing. It needs assessment, not monitoring.
Pole failures often follow storms, when wind and wet ground load an already weakened pole. A planned replacement costs far less, and is far safer, than an emergency after the line comes down.
Energex inspects the overhead supply to properties and issues a defect notice when something on the customer side, including a private pole, does not meet its requirements. The notice explains the problem and how long you have to fix it.
A defect notice is not always about rot. In Booval, Energex defected a pole because pavers and concrete around its base stopped safe excavation for future maintenance.
A like-for-like pole is not the only answer. Depending on the site, one of these options may suit you better over the long term.
| Option | Best when | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the pole | The location works and the line clears the property safely | Usually the fastest and most cost-effective fix. Steel poles resist rot and termites. |
| Relocate the pole | The current spot is boxed in by concrete, a driveway or new building work | Needs a compliant new position for the line and access for future maintenance. |
| Convert to underground | You want to remove the pole and overhead line altogether | Needs trenching, new consumer mains and Energex requirements. It costs more upfront but removes pole maintenance. |
Disconnections, reconnections and pole positions must meet Energex’s requirements. We lodge the requests and liaise with Energex on your behalf.
The electrical work at your end, including consumer mains, the point of attachment and the switchboard, is completed and tested to the Wiring Rules.
Work on overhead supply is dangerous. It must be done by licensed electrical contractors and qualified pole crews, never by owners.
Where a pole supplies a whole complex, the body corporate is usually responsible. We provide reports and quotes for committee approval.
A badly deteriorated pole we had already inspected collapsed and brought the overhead line down. We sourced a new pole straight away, coordinated the install and restored power the following day.
A pole boxed in by hard surfaces was replaced with a compliant new pole, including Energex disconnection and reconnection. Approx. $5,900 + GST.
Street light poles damaged by vehicles were beyond repair. We installed new in-ground pole cages, three new poles and brighter floodlights across the complex.
Fully Wired continue to provide me prompt service from competent and courteous tradesmen- no hassles.
★★★★★Ross Thompson, Google review
It depends on access, the pole type, what is around the base and the Energex requirements for your site. As a real example, a defect-notice replacement in Booval cost about $5,900 + GST, including coordination with Energex. We quote a fixed price after inspecting the site.
The supply is disconnected on replacement day while the old pole comes out and the new one goes in. Energex then reconnects. We plan the timing with you and tell you what to expect before the day.
Generally yes, if it sits within your boundary and supplies only your property. Street poles belong to Energex. If you are unsure, send us a photo and we will tell you.
Check the timeframe on the notice, then send it to us. We will inspect the site, quote the rectification and handle the work and the Energex notification so the defect can be cleared.
Steel poles do not rot and are not attacked by termites, so they usually last longer with less maintenance. The right choice depends on the site and Energex requirements. We will recommend the best option for your property.
Often, yes, by converting the supply to underground. It involves trenching and new consumer mains, so it costs more upfront, but it removes future pole maintenance. We can price both options.
Keep everyone clear of the pole and any lines, and treat them as live. Call Energex on 13 19 62 to make the supply safe, then call us on 1300 385 599 to arrange the replacement.
Call 1300 385 599 (Mon to Fri, 8:00am to 4:30pm) or send us photos of your pole and any Energex notice. We will tell you what is needed and give you a fixed price.
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