Building or working within an electricity easement

If your property contains a Jemena electricity easement, you must obtain Jemena’s approval before undertaking any works within the easement.

Electricity easements allow Jemena to access its electricity assets for inspection, maintenance, replacement and fault repairs. Works within an easement must not interfere with Jemena’s electricity assets or restrict access to them.

What works are permitted within an electricity easement?

What may be permitted depends on the proposed works and the location and type of Jemena electricity assets.

Permanent buildings and structures

Permanent buildings or structures are not permitted over existing underground Jemena electricity assets.

Jemena requires ongoing, unhindered access to underground electricity assets for inspection, maintenance, replacement and fault repairs.

If your proposed development conflicts with existing Jemena electricity assets, you may need to investigate relocating the assets through Jemena’s Asset Relocation process.

Landscaping and vegetation

Landscaping may be considered where it does not restrict Jemena’s access or interfere with electricity assets.

Trees or vegetation with large or invasive root systems should not be planted where they may affect underground electricity assets. Where overhead powerlines are present, applicable vegetation clearance requirements must also be maintained.

Excavation and changes to ground levels

Excavation within an electricity easement may be permitted, subject to Jemena approval and applicable safety requirements.

A No Go Zone site assessment will be required to determine the clearances and controls that apply. Depending on the proximity of the works to Jemena’s assets, controls may include restrictions on mechanical excavation and vibration and requirements for hand excavation.

Changes to ground levels must also maintain required clearances from overhead electricity assets as per the Energy Safe Victoria – Electricity Safety (General) Regulation 2019.

Other works within an easement

Other proposed works within an electricity easement, such as retaining walls, driveways, car parks or installation of other infrastructure, must be submitted to Jemena for assessment and approval before works commence.

Jemena will consider the proposed works in relation to its electricity assets, access requirements and applicable safety requirements.

What if there are no Jemena electricity assets within the easement?

The absence of existing electricity assets does not automatically mean that works can proceed within the easement.

Jemena may need to consider whether the easement is required for future network purposes. Where an easement is determined to no longer be required, removal of the easement may need to be considered before permanent development proceeds.

Before starting work

Do not commence works within a Jemena electricity easement until the required Jemena approval has been obtained.

Where Jemena provides approval, conditions may apply to the proposed works. Existing Jemena build-over consent documentation requires applicable conditions to be accepted before works commence and preserves Jemena’s rights and access to the easement and electricity assets.

Submit an electricity easement enquiry

If you are planning to build, excavate, landscape or undertake other works within a Jemena electricity easement, you must obtain Jemena approval before commencing works.

Please submit your proposal and supporting information to Customer Relations at:

customerrelations@jemena.com.au

Please include:

• the property address
• a site plan or drawing showing the easement and proposed works
• details and dimensions of the proposed works
• details of any excavation or changes to ground levels.

Jemena may request additional information depending on the nature of the proposed works.