Commitment to safety

Western Power is responsible for the safety and reliability of the powerlines and other associated electricity infrastructure.  To minimise safety incidents and supply interruptions caused by vegetation, Western Power has developed a pruning program to ensure vegetation that falls outside of private land across the South West Integration System of Western Australia remains clear of the powerlines; outlined below:

• High and Extreme Fire Risk zones patrolled and cut by 30 November each year (bushfire cut).
• Moderate Fire Risk zones, half of the areas patrolled and cut by 30 June each year.
• Low Fire Risk zones, third of the areas are patrolled and cut by 30 June each year. 
• Urban areas, they are patrolled and cut by 30 June each year.   

Western Power's notification process to house/land occupiers that have not trimmed their trees:

Western Power has a policy of issuing notices providing the occupier a 30 day period in which to trim trees and shrubs near powerlines within the bounds of their property.  A second urgent reminder notice to cut is issued at the expiry of 30 days giving a further seven days notice.  If an occupier fails to prune their trees Western Power undertakes (through Western Power's contractors) a 'default cut' and invoices the customer for the cost.  

Notices are written and hand delivered to the letterbox at the time of the inspector's attendance.  Notices are printed on carbon paper whereby original copy is given to the occupier and Western Power keeps the traced copy.  

Under the Energy Operators (Power) Act 1979 Western Power can exercise its right to enter properties to maintain powerlines with three days notice, but instead gives occupiers a minimum of 37 days notice.