Electrical safety regulator EnergySafety will launch a public awareness campaign next month to alert property owners with overhead power lines about their legal responsibilities ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin and Energy Minister Mike Nahan confirmed privately owned power poles and lines located on private properties were the responsibility of the homeowner.
It comes after confirmation a devastating bushfire in the Perth hills earlier this year was caused by a fallen power pole.
Fifty-five homes were destroyed in the blaze which left tens of families homeless.
“Property owners have always had a common law duty of care to maintain their assets and ensure they do not pose a danger to themselves or the community,” Mr Mischin said.
“The State Government is now alerting people to this responsibility to give them a chance to have their privately owned power poles and lines inspected by a licensed electrical contractor.
“If the lines are supported by wooden poles which have been in service for 25 years or more, they may be getting towards the end of their service life and could be unsafe.
“The Government is taking these steps in response to the potential bushfire danger posed by aged and poorly maintained private power line poles.”
Dr Nahan confirmed that Western Power and Horizon Power were not responsible for private power poles and power lines.
“We urge owners to accept their responsibility and move promptly to ensure the soundness of their electricity assets before the coming bushfire season,” he said.
“Private power lines are part of a customer’s electrical installation.
"Their maintenance and safety are purely an owner’s responsibility.
“If a customer is in doubt about whether or not they are responsible, they should contact Horizon Power or Western Power for clarification.”
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