Trees are one of the biggest causes of unplanned power cuts in the Far North, especially in storms. The Government has updated the tree regulations to reduce the risk of trees and branches damaging power lines, improving safety and reliability. The changes roll out in stages between 2026 and 2028.
For most customers, nothing urgent. If you have trees near rural power lines, keep an eye on any growing near or over the lines, avoid planting tall species close to lines, and never trim near lines yourself. If you're concerned about a tree, call us on 0800 867 363.
From 17 October 2026, the "clear-to-the-sky" rule applies to all non-urban lines, including 11 kV and low-voltage lines. This means vegetation must be kept clear not just around the line but above it too — so branches can't grow over the top and drop onto the line in wind or storms.
Only if you're certain that you, your tools, your machinery, and every part of the tree will stay more than 4 metres from the line at all times. Inside that zone, the work must be done by an approved professional. Trees can conduct electricity even without touching the line — if in doubt, call us on 0800 867 363 before starting.
Choose species that stay low enough at maturity, or plant further from the line. A simple guide: don't plant a tree that will grow taller than its distance from the line. Planting sensibly now avoids problems as the newer rules take effect. (See the planting guide on our website.)
The service line connecting your property to the network may be owned by you and isn't covered the same way as network lines. You're responsible for keeping vegetation clear of it — contact us or a qualified professional for advice before any work.
Your trees have grown too close to power lines. Take action to cut back or remove the trees. Action taken by you now could save you money later. Contact a competent contractor to undertake the work or engage Top Energy on 0800 867 363. To work near powerlines you will need to apply for a close approach consent.
Legally you must take action otherwise you risk a fine. The notice includes information regarding your options and what you need to do. As the tree owner you must ensure the cutting or trimming work specified in The Notice is completed within 10-25 working days (dependent on growth) or within a maximum of 45 working days if it's your first Cut and Trim Notice.
Consider whether you want to have an ongoing liability for maintaining the tree so it does not encroach the Growth Limit Zone. If you wish to keep the tree, you may be eligible for a first cut or trim without charge from Top Energy, but thereafter you will have the cost of maintaining clearances. If you don’t want to look after the tree and provided the tree meets the criteria for a ‘No Interest Notice’, then you have the option to declare No-Interest. If accepted, Top Energy will decide what to do and take appropriate action. You must allow access.
Decide what you want to do then let Top Energy know your decision by completing the ‘owner agreement tick boxes’ on the Cut or Trim Notice, then sign and return it to Top Energy.
Once a signed response to the Cut or Trim Notice has been received, Top Energy will respond as follows:
• If you have requested Top Energy to provide a cutting or trimming service we will contact you shortly to arrange a date for the work.
• If you make a ‘No Interest’ declaration which is accepted, Top Energy will assume responsibility for the tree and will then decide what action to take, including trimming, cutting or felling, at no cost to you.
If you decide to have your own competent contractor do the work, you must inform Top Energy at least 5 working days prior to any work commencing, details of where and when the work will be conducted.
Doing nothing does not remove your responsibility under the regulations. Top Energy must remove any immediate danger (to persons, property or the continued power supply) posed by trees or vegetation near power lines and so may have to undertake the work. You will be liable for the costs of this work if you have failed to comply with The Notice.
Responsibility for the cost of cutting or trimming will depend on the circumstances of each case, but after the first cut or trim at no charge, responsibility will rest with the tree owner.
If you regularly cut or trim your shelterbelt, keep doing what you’ve been doing. Otherwise, please contact a Top Energy approved specialist contractor and arrange to keep the shelterbelt trimmed outside the Notice Zone. Freephone 0800 867 363 to find an approved contractor for your area. To work near power lines, you or your contractor will need to apply for a close approach consent.
You should consider the possibility and potential consequences of the risk that has been identified and then decide an appropriate action plan to eliminate or minimise that risk. Usually this means cutting down the tree before it becomes a big and expensive job, or else adopting a regular maintenance plan such as trimming every year.
Call our Vegetation Advisors on 0800 867 363 to discuss.
Keep clear, do NOT touch trees or poles. Please advise us of the location where trees are near or touching powerlines by calling us on 0800 867 363 to report the matter to Top Energy’s vegetation advisors.
If the power line is situated on a neighbour’s property or on public land – YES, you have a responsibility not to let your trees interfere with power lines that are legally sited on your neighbour’s property or on public land.
If the power line is situated on your land – YES, unless there is an agreement in place where the line owner accepts responsibly for the ongoing maintenance of the tree.
