Temporary disconnection & reconnection

Need to temporarily disconnect your power to carry out works safely? Here’s what’s involved and how to get started.

On this page:

What's a temporary disconnection? Is this the right job? How do I request a job? Timeframes and fees Ready to raise the job?

What's a temporary disconnection?

A temporary disconnection safely isolates the power to your property to allow works to be carried out on site where there would otherwise be an electrical safety risk.

Is it the right job for you?

This service is often used for things like:

  • Tree trimming near power lines
  • Painting around your power supply (e.g., fascia boards)
  • Renovations
  • Switchboard or wiring upgrades (you’ll need a Certificate of Compliance to reconnect)
  • Meter relocation
  • Safety-related work
  • Mains or lines alterations

If there’s any risk of electrical shock while you’re working, and you’ll need power again soon, this is the job for you.

How do I request a temporary disconnection?

Some networks require you to contact them directly to request a temporary disconnection. If you are in one of the below networks, please contact them directly. 

Use the Electricity Authority tool to find your Network. 

Network

Contact Information
DUNE – Aurora Energy (03) 474 0322
BUEL – Buller Electricity (03) 788 8171
CHBP – Centralines (06) 858 7770
COUP – Counties Power Limited 0800 100 202
ELEC – Electra 0800 353 2872
HEDL – Horizon Energy Distribution 0800 467 496 or fill out their form here
LINE – The Lines Company Fill out their form here
MPOW – MainPower (03) 311 8311
NPOW – Northpower Limited 0800 10 40 40
ORON – Orion Visit Orion’s website to find an authorised livening agent
VECT – Vector Limited 0508 248 967
WAIP – Waipa Networks Limited 0800 800 769
WPOW – Westpower 0800 768 241
HAWK – Unison 0800 286 476

For any other network, you can contact us directly to get the ball rolling. Please note that there are additional things to consider for the below networks:

Network

Additional Requirements
POCO – Powerco Limited

Contact us for a disconnection due to work near the lines that doesn't involve direct electrical wiring work (e.g., tree trimming).

For a disconnection to allow for wiring changes, your electrician can fill in Powerco's temporary isolation form. Alternatively, you can engage with a Powerco Approved Contractor.
TOPE – Top Energy Limited At least 5 business days' notice is needed.
CKHK – Wellington Electricity Lines Limited

We will need your electrician's details, including the company they work for.

A reconnection will also need to be arranged at the same time (cannot disconnect without a pending reconnection).

We will need to know if your lines are overhead or underground.

Timeframes and fees

  • At least two business days' notice is required for jobs we raise
  • If raising via network or another contractor: they will quote and charge you directly
  • If raising via us: see our fees page

Note: A minimum of two business days' notice is required; however, completion within this timeframe is not guaranteed. Providing additional notice is strongly recommended to help ensure timely processing.

Ready to raise a temporary disconnection?

Contact your network if required, or visit our contact us page to get in touch with us.