Who Owns the Power Pole on Your Property in SA?
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It depends where the pole sits. SA Power Networks owns and maintains the Stobie poles and powerlines that bring electricity to the connection point on your property. From that connection point on, any pole, cable or powerline that belongs to you is your responsibility. If you are unsure which is which, ask SA Power Networks or a licensed electrician.
Consumer mains and underground cable work is a regular part of our job book. We do not work on power poles.
The short answer: it depends on the connection point
Most suburban Adelaide homes have a Stobie pole on the street or the verge. That pole and the wires on it belong to the network. Some properties are different. Larger blocks, rural-style lots, houses set well back from the road and homes with a shed or granny flat out the back can have a pole, or a run of cable, on the property itself.
The dividing line is the connection point, which is where the network's supply meets your installation. SA Power Networks says this point is usually on a building or on a pole. Everything on the network side of it belongs to SA Power Networks. Everything from it onward that serves your property belongs to you.
This is the position published by SA Power Networks on its page about privately-owned poles and powerlines (checked 30 October 2026).
What counts as your responsibility
SA Power Networks describes these private assets as private mains or customer-owned equipment. They usually start at the first pole on your property and include powerlines running between different buildings or structures on the same property. In practice that can include:
- A pole on your land that carries your supply to the house or a shed.
- Overhead wires between the house, a garage, a shed or a granny flat.
- Underground cables you own between buildings.
- The switchboard or meter box on a pole, if it is set up as a private installation.
- Anything you or a previous owner had installed on the property side of the connection point.
It is not always obvious from looking. Two houses on the same street can have different set-ups.
What you need to look after
If you own a pole or powerline, SA Power Networks says you are responsible for keeping it safe and in line with the wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000). It recommends having a qualified person inspect your private assets once a year before bushfire season, after major storms, or whenever you suspect damage.
Poles and overhead lines should be inspected and repaired by a contractor who works on private poles and powerlines. Things to look out for:
- Rusted, rotting, split or leaning poles.
- Wires that sag, hang low or swing into each other in strong wind.
- Trees or branches growing into or near overhead wires.
- Cracked insulators, loose fittings or damaged cable.
- Burn marks, sparks or crackling noises on a clear day.
The same page warns that an owner can be liable for damage if an asset they own has not been properly inspected and maintained.
How to find out if a pole is yours
- Look at where the pole sits. A pole on the street verge is almost always the network's. A pole inside your boundary needs checking.
- Look at what it feeds. If it only carries wires to your own buildings, it is more likely to be private.
- Check your property records and any paperwork from when the supply was connected or last upgraded.
- Contact SA Power Networks on 13 12 61 and ask them to confirm which assets are theirs.
- Ask a contractor who works on private poles and powerlines to inspect it. We do not work on poles ourselves.
Do not rely on the look of the pole. Stobie poles are the network's in most cases, but a private pole can look much the same.
Who to call for faults and repairs
If a pole or wire on the network side is damaged, leaning, down or sparking, call SA Power Networks on their 24 hour faults line, 13 13 66. If anyone could be in danger, call 000 and stay well clear. Never go near a fallen wire (more in what counts as an electrical emergency).
If the pole is yours, call a contractor who works on private poles and powerlines; we do not work on poles. For the consumer mains cable into your switchboard, and wiring faults in the house, call us. Work on a new supply arrangement may involve SA Power Networks, and we will tell you if that is the case.
You can read more about the work we do on our consumer mains page. If the line runs to a shed or granny flat, see power for a shed or granny flat.
Tree trimming near powerlines
Trimming near overhead wires is a job for a qualified tree trimming contractor, not for a homeowner with a ladder. Overhanging branches are a common reason for outages and a real danger. If you own the line, keeping the clearance is your job. If the wires belong to the network, contact SA Power Networks about trees near them.
When to call us
Call Hoile Electrical on 0482 099 388 if the consumer mains cable to your switchboard is damaged, or your power keeps dropping out. We do not work on power poles. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including after hours. Our SA electrical licence number is PGE 229 469.
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Common questions
Who owns the Stobie pole in front of my house?
In almost all cases SA Power Networks owns Stobie poles on the street or verge, along with the wires on them. A pole inside your property boundary may be private, so check.
Do I have to maintain a power pole on my own land?
If the pole and the lines on it belong to you, yes. SA Power Networks says private pole and powerline owners are responsible for keeping them safe and recommends regular inspection by a qualified person.
Who do I call if a power pole is leaning or damaged?
If it is a network pole, call SA Power Networks on 13 13 66, any time. If anyone could be in danger, call 000. If it is a private pole on your property, call a contractor who works on private poles and powerlines.
Can I replace or move a power pole myself?
No. Moving or replacing a pole is not a job for a home owner, and it can involve SA Power Networks. Do not attempt it yourself.
Can I have a pole removed from my yard?
A network-owned pole has to be relocated by SA Power Networks under their process. For a private pole, talk to a contractor who works on private poles and powerlines.
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