Network operator and network: a network operator is either a transmission operator (its transmission system) or a distributor (its distribution system). Clause 4 defines network in relation to a network operator accordingly. The operator bears the primary duty under clause 5 to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of its network. This duty is the foundation on which the rest of Part 2 builds.

Safety management system (SMS): clause 7 requires each network operator to have an SMS that is in accordance with Australian Standard AS 5577-2013 (as in force from time to time) and that deals with the safety and reliability of the network, public advice about electrical hazards, management of bush fire risk relating to electricity lines and other assets, and management of bush fire risk relating to aerial consumers mains on bush fire prone private land (clause 7(1)(b)). The primary objective of SMS is defined in clause 6: to assist the network operator to comply with clause 5 and, in particular, to support the safety of the public, the safety of persons working on networks, the protection of property, the management of safety risks arising from protection of the environment (for example, preventing bush fires ignited by network assets) and the management of safety risks arising from loss of electricity supply. The network operator must take this primary objective into account when determining the content of its SMS (clause 7(2)(a)), and must also take into account any code, standard or guideline specified by the Minister by written notice. If the SMS departs from such a code, standard or guideline, the SMS must specify where it departs and what arrangements are in place to ensure an equal or better outcome (clause 7(3)).

Nominated auditor: under clause 9, the nominated auditor is the person for the time being nominated, in accordance with clause 12, as an auditor of a network operator's SMS. The person must be independent of the network operator and competent to carry out the audit (clause 12(4)). The Tribunal maintains a panel of approved auditors, and the network operator nominates a person from that panel by written notice to the Tribunal following procedures notified by the Tribunal. If no panel exists or the operator fails to nominate, the Tribunal nominates the auditor (clause 12(3)).

Contestable services: these are classes of work on electricity networks that may be performed by accredited persons rather than by the network operator itself. The classes are specified in the Scheme Rules made by the Minister by order published in the Gazette under section 31A(4A) of the Act (clause 26). The accreditation scheme in Part 3 covers application, grant, renewal, conditions, suspension and cancellation. The Secretary determines applications and must be satisfied that the applicant is competent (clause 18(2)) and, in the case of a body corporate, that each director or person concerned in management is a fit and proper person (clause 18(3)(c)(iii)).

Notifiable excavation work: clause 28 defines this as excavation work to which section 63Z of the Act applies. Clause 29 specifies the kinds of work that are covered: excavation requiring planning approval, excavation carried out under a planning approval, excavation conducted by or on behalf of a public authority, excavation of land on which an underground utility service is or will be located, and excavation for repair or maintenance of utility service works. Exemptions exist for shallow excavation: with machinery or powered tools to a depth of less than 150 millimetres; ploughing to less than 250 millimetres in a rural or rural-residential zone; without machinery or powered tools to less than 300 millimetres; mining activities; emergencies; and certain utility testing and urgent water main repairs. The distinction between notifiable and exempt work is critical for compliance.

Tree management plan: a distributor may establish a plan under clause 37 for the trimming or staged removal and replacement of tree species that have a propensity to interfere with power lines. The plan may include lists of suitable species, trimming methods, emergency procedures, cost allocation with councils, environmental factors and public education. It must be prepared with an opportunity for the relevant councils, residents and local community groups to comment (clause 38).

Disconnection: Part 6 permits a distributor to disconnect or refuse to connect premises if it reasonably considers the electrical installation is or is likely to become unsafe (clause 39(1)). Where there is immediate danger to life or property or an immediate risk of starting a fire, the distributor may disconnect immediately without prior notice (clause 40). Before any disconnection other than immediate danger, the distributor must, if reasonable, notify each customer of the proposed disconnection and any steps to avoid it (clause 39(3)). Importantly, clause 41 requires the distributor to ensure provision is made for the safety of any person whose life may be endangered if electricity is no longer available for a medical device used by that person.

The Regulation directly imposes obligations on network operators: transmission operators (such as Transgrid) and distributors (such as Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy). They bear the core safety duties, must establish and implement SMS, arrange audits, measure and publish performance, review their SMS every five years or on significant change, and comply with Tribunal directions. They must report injuries, incidents or system failures if the Tribunal requires (clause 42). They also have duties under Part 4 to provide information about their underground power lines to persons undertaking excavation work and under Part 5 to manage tree trimming only in accordance with a tree management plan. Bush fire risk mitigation directions on private land must meet content requirements under clause 42A.

Providers of contestable services: these are persons (individuals or companies) who seek accreditation under Part 3 to carry out work on electricity networks. They must apply to the Secretary, demonstrate competence and fit and proper status, comply with conditions, and renew accreditation before it expires (max three years, clause 20). If accreditation is refused, suspended or cancelled, or if conditions are imposed or varied, the person has a right to internal review (clauses 23-25). The list of accredited persons must be kept up-to-date and made publicly available (clause 27).

Persons who carry out excavation work: developers, builders, plumbers, electricians, public authorities, utility owners and anyone else who undertakes notifiable excavation work (as defined in clause 29) must request power lines information from the designated information provider (likely Dial Before You Dig) no earlier than 30 days before commencing work (clause 30(2)). They must have regard to the information provided about the location and type of underground electricity power lines (clause 30(3)). If the information requires notice to the network operator before starting, they must give that notice and provide any requested information (clause 30(1)). Any person who damages an underground power line must notify the network operator by telephoning the contact number provided by the designated information provider or, if none, the emergency contact number listed in a telephone or internet directory (clause 32).

Distributors (in their capacity as tree managers): Part 5 applies specifically to distributors, not to transmission operators. They must not remove or substantially damage trees unless necessary to protect power lines or the safety of persons or property, after considering alternatives, and acting under a tree management plan (clause 36(1)). The plan must be developed with input from councils, residents and community groups (clause 38).

Customers and landowners: persons whose premises are connected to a distributor's distribution system may be disconnected if the installation is unsafe, but they must be notified if reasonable and given steps to avoid disconnection (clause 39). Those using life-support medical devices have a specific right to safety provision before disconnection. Landowners who receive a bush fire risk mitigation direction from a network operator under section 53E of the Act are affected by the content requirements of clause 42A, which mandate cost estimates or a website reference for indicative costs.

The Tribunal (likely the Civil and Administrative Tribunal) exercises regulatory functions under the Regulation: it approves auditors, directs audits, may require implementation or modification of SMS after an audit, receives audit reports, may require reports on injuries and incidents, and has delegation powers. Its functions under the Regulation are specified as regulatory functions of the Tribunal for the purposes of section 77(1)(d) of the Act (clause 42B). The Secretary retains functions relating to accreditation of contestable service providers, including determination of applications, imposition of conditions, suspension and cancellation, and internal review of decisions. The Minister may make Scheme Rules under clause 26 and may review certain decisions if made by the Secretary not as delegate (clause 23(3)(a)).

Duties of network operators: the central duty is in clause 5: take all reasonable steps to ensure safety of the design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of its network (maximum penalty 5,000 penalty units for a corporation, 2,500 otherwise). Clause 7 requires the operator to have an SMS that is in accordance with AS 5577 and that deals with specified matters; failure attracts 250 penalty units (corporate) or 100 (other). Clause 8 requires the operator to implement the SMS and make it accessible to persons involved in implementation; maximum penalty 10,000 penalty units (corporate) or 5,000 (other). Under clause 10, the operator must measure performance against the SMS, publish results annually, keep copies at its principal office and on its website, and bring them to the notice of customers and the public. Before publishing, the operator must give written notice to the Tribunal of its intention and the date from which results will be available (clause 10(3); maximum penalty 100/25 penalty units). The Tribunal may exempt the operator from these publication requirements if not in the public interest (clause 10(4)). Clause 11 requires the operator to ensure audits are carried out by a nominated auditor and that a written report is provided to the Tribunal. The first audit was due 30 April 2015 with report by 1 June 2015; subsequent audits are at Tribunal direction. The report must cover particulars of the SMS, whether it achieves the primary objective, whether it is in accordance with AS 5577, whether it is appropriate for the network, whether it is being properly implemented, and any recommended modifications. Clause 13: the Tribunal may direct the operator to take action to implement the SMS or to modify it based on an audit report; the operator must comply (maximum penalty 10,000/5,000). Clause 14: the operator must review and if necessary modify its SMS as soon as practicable after any significant change (including incremental change) and at least once every five years; maximum penalty 5,000/2,500. Clause 42: the Tribunal may require a report on any injury, incident, system failure or other matter; the operator must comply (maximum penalty 8,000/4,000).

Duties and rights of accredited persons: an accredited person has the right to apply for renewal of accreditation no earlier than one month before expiry and no later than the day before (clause 19(1)). The accreditation remains in force until notice of determination (clause 19(2)). Duration is up to three years (clause 20). The Secretary may impose, vary or revoke conditions at any time (clause 21). An accredited person may apply for variation or revocation only if the condition relates to supervision, inspection or auditing of the person's work (clause 21(3)). The person must comply with conditions. If the Secretary proposes to suspend or cancel accreditation, the person must be given written notice, a reasonable opportunity to make representations, and the Secretary must have regard to those representations (clause 22(2)). The person has a right to internal review of a decision to refuse accreditation or renewal, to impose or vary conditions, to refuse to vary or revoke conditions, to suspend or cancel accreditation, or not to act on a suspension (clause 23(1)). The review is to the appropriate person: if the decision was made by the Secretary not as delegate, to the Minister; if by a delegate, to the Secretary (clause 23(3)). Time limits for application are strict: 28 days from receipt of written notice for most decisions, 56 days after suspension takes effect for a decision not to act on a suspension (clause 24(b)). If the reviewer fails to give notice of determination within 14 days after the application is made, the decision is taken to stand (clause 25(4)).

Duties of persons undertaking excavation: before commencing notifiable excavation work, the person must request power lines information from the designated information provider no earlier than 30 days before the work starts (clause 30(2)). If the information provided requires notice to the network operator before starting work, the person must give that notice and must provide any information the operator requests (clause 30(1)(a)-(b)). While carrying out the work, the person must have regard to any information provided about the location and type of underground electricity power lines and any other information about underground power lines (clause 30(3)). The person must notify the network operator of damage to an underground power line by telephone using the contact number provided or the emergency number (clause 32).

Rights to review and protections: a person whose accreditation is affected may seek internal review. A person who receives a direction for bush fire risk mitigation work on private land is entitled to a direction that includes cost estimates or a website reference for indicative costs (clause 42A). A customer facing disconnection must, if reasonable, be notified of the proposed disconnection and steps to avoid it (clause 39(3)). A person whose life depends on a medical device has a right to safety provision before disconnection (clause 41). The designated information provider (and its officers, employees and agents) has a cap on civil liability for negligent acts or omissions in providing power lines information: maximum $10 million (clause 33).

The Regulation prescribes maximum penalties for both corporations and individuals. The highest penalties attach to failures that could directly compromise network safety: failing to implement the SMS or to comply with a Tribunal direction after an audit (clause 8(2) and clause 13(5)) both carry 10,000 penalty units for a corporation and 5,000 for any other case. Failing to ensure the safety of the network (clause 5) carries 5,000/2,500. Failing to comply with a Tribunal requirement to lodge a report (clause 42(2)) carries 8,000/4,000. Failing to review the SMS (clause 14(1)) carries 5,000/2,500. The penalty for failing to have an SMS (clause 7(1)) or failing to measure and publish performance (clause 10(1)-(2)) is 250/100 penalty units. Failing to give the Tribunal notice before publishing performance results (clause 10(3)) is 100/25. The penalty for failing to complete the first audit by the 30 April 2015 deadline or to provide the report by 1 June 2015 (clause 11(2)) is 250/100. One penalty unit is currently $110, so 10,000 penalty units equals $1.1 million for a corporation. The penalties apply per offence, and the regulation does not specify a daily penalty, but non-compliance that is continuing may result in separate offences.

Enforcement mechanisms beyond penalties: the Tribunal can direct a network operator to take action to implement its SMS or to modify it, based on a nominated auditor's report (clause 13(1)-(2)). The Tribunal may also require evidence of compliance, such as a further auditor's report (clause 13(3)-(4)). Non-compliance with a direction is itself an offence with a penalty of 10,000/5,000 penalty units. The Tribunal may also require reports on injuries, incidents or system failures (clause 42). The accreditation scheme under Part 3 gives the Secretary power to suspend or cancel a person's accreditation on specified grounds (clause 22), including lack of competence, failure to satisfy eligibility requirements, not being a fit and proper person, contravention of conditions, being accredited on the basis of false or misleading information, conviction for offences under the Act or the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (as it relates to electricity), or any other grounds relating to safety. The suspension or cancellation process includes procedural fairness: the Secretary must give written notice of the proposed action, a reasonable opportunity to make representations, and must consider those representations before deciding (clause 22(2)). Suspension continues until cancellation or lifting by the Secretary (clause 22(5)). The designated information provider's civil liability for negligent provision of power lines information is capped at $10 million (clause 33), which limits potential private enforcement actions.

The Regulation is made under and gives effect to the Electricity Supply Act 1995. It references the Act throughout, and many of its provisions are explicitly made under specific sections of the Act (for example, section 53E(3) for bush fire risk mitigation directions, section 63Z for notifiable excavation work, section 77(1)(d) for regulatory functions of the Tribunal). The operation of Part 5 (tree preservation) is expressly limited by clause 34(2): it applies only to the extent that a distributor may lawfully remove or trim trees apart from this Part, and does not itself authorise removal or trimming. This means a distributor must have separate legal authority (such as council consent, an easement, or other statutory power) before it can act; the Regulation then imposes additional procedural and substantive constraints.

The Regulation incorporates by reference Australian Standard AS 5577-2013 (Electricity network safety management systems) as in force from time to time (clause 4). Changes to that standard automatically affect the SMS requirements. The Regulation also references codes, standards or guidelines specified by the Minister (clause 7(2)(b)) and the Work Near Underground Assets Guideline published in 2007 by the WorkCover Authority (now SafeWork NSW) (clause 31(1)). The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is referenced in clause 28 (definition of planning approval) and clause 29 (notifiable excavation work includes excavation requiring planning approval or carried out under Part 5 of that Act). The Mining Act 1992 provides an exemption for excavation under a lease, licence or mineral claim (clause 29(2)(d)). The Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 is referenced as a basis for suspending or cancelling accreditation (clause 22(1)(h)). The Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015 triggered amendments that transferred functions from the Secretary to the Tribunal and the Minister, reflected in savings provisions in clause 44(5)-(6). The Subordinate Legislation Act 1989 governs the repeal of the 2008 Regulation (clause 2 note). The Regulation also interacts with the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (the Tribunal is likely NCAT) as the body that exercises many enforcement and direction-making functions. The Scheme Rules under Part 3 are made by the Minister by order published in the Gazette (clause 26), so they are separate subordinate instruments that must be read together with the Regulation. The savings provision in clause 44(3) gives effect to the February 2014 Accredited Service Provider scheme rules as the initial Scheme Rules for Part 3. The Regulation also interacts with other regulations under the Electricity Supply Act, such as the Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014, though Part 9, 10 or 11 of the 2001 General Regulation is saved by clause 44(2).

The Regulation commenced on 1 September 2014. It has been amended several times. The 2014 No 88 amendments (Sch 1.8) updated references in clauses 17 (accreditation application), 34 (object of tree preservation Part), 36 (preservation of trees), 39 (disconnection of unsafe installations) and 40 (immediate disconnection), likely reflecting changes to the Act. The 2015 No 5 amendments (Sch 8.9) were significant: they substituted references to "Tribunal" for "Secretary" in many provisions (clauses 10, 11, 13, 42, and others), reflecting the transfer of functions from the Secretary to the Tribunal under the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015. They also substituted a new clause 12 on nomination of auditors (replacing the previous provision with a detailed process), inserted clause 42B (specifying regulatory functions of the Tribunal), substituted clause 43 (delegation), amended clause 14 (review of SMS) and clause 3 (definition of the Act). The 2015 (803) amendments made further changes to clauses 7 (content of SMS) and 11 (auditing). The 2016 No 8 amendments (Sch 3) amended clauses 7, 15 (definitions), repealed clause 16 (which had become redundant), and amended clause 43 (delegation). The 2016 (401) amendments (Sch 2) also amended clause 7. The 2017 No 15 amendment (Sch 2.4) amended clause 22 to add the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 as a ground for suspension or cancellation of accreditation. The 2026 (113) amendment (Sch 3) amended clause 26 (Scheme Rules). Additionally, 2014 (842) inserted clause 42A (directions for bush fire risk mitigation work on private land). The amendment history also includes a change to clause 4 (definitions) by 2015 No 5 Sch 8.9[1] (though not separately noted in the text, the clause 3 definition amendment is noted). The savings provision in clause 44 carries forward acts done under the earlier 2008 Regulation and the 2001 General Regulation, and provides continuity for the transfer of functions.

The Regulation itself does not reference any specific court or tribunal proceedings. No decided cases are mentioned in the text. However, because the Regulation confers powers on the Tribunal (NCAT) to direct network operators and to require reports, and the Secretary to deal with accreditation, it is possible that decisions under the Regulation have been the subject of internal review (under Part 3 Division 3) and may have been further challenged in NCAT or the Supreme Court on judicial review. The internal review mechanism under clauses 23-25 provides a statutory avenue for aggrieved persons to seek a merits review of certain accreditation decisions (refusal, conditions, suspension, cancellation, failure to act on suspension). If the internal review does not resolve the matter, the person may have recourse to NCAT under the Act (section 31A of the Electricity Supply Act 1995 may provide for external review, though not specified in the Regulation). The Tribunal's own decisions in directing implementation or modification of an SMS under clause 13 could also be subject to appeal under the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 on a question of law. No specific cases are recorded in the published text of the Regulation. Practitioners should search the NCAT database for decisions under this Regulation, particularly regarding accreditation disputes and safety direction challenges. The absence of cited cases does not mean the Regulation has not been litigated; it simply means the source does not provide that information.

Tree preservation does not grant power to remove trees. Clause 34(2) is critical: Part 5 only regulates how a distributor may remove or trim trees when it is otherwise lawfully entitled to do so (for example, under a council permit, an easement, or a separate statutory power). If the distributor has no other authority, Part 5 does not provide one. A distributor that removes a tree without separate legal authority may be liable for trespass or breach of other laws despite having a tree management plan.

Definition of "tree" is narrow. Clause 35 defines a tree as taller than 3 metres, or having a canopy more than 3 metres in maximum diameter, or having a trunk circumference at 1 metre height of more than 0.3 metres. Smaller trees fall outside Part 5, but may still be protected by council tree preservation orders or other legislation. The exemption does not mean they can be freely removed.

Exemptions from notifiable excavation work are limited and fact-specific. The depth exemptions (150mm with machinery/powered tools, 250mm ploughing in rural zone, 300mm without machinery) apply only to the definition of notifiable excavation work under clause 29. They do not exempt a person from other duties, such as the general duty of care or obligations under other laws. The emergency exemption (clause 29(2)(e)) covers work to prevent or mitigate injury, death, or serious damage to property or the environment, but the person should still be able to demonstrate the emergency.

Medical device safety is a mandatory precondition but is not defined. Clause 41 requires the distributor to "ensure that provision is made for the safety of any person whose life may be endangered if electricity is no longer available for the operation of a medical device used by the person." This is a positive obligation but does not specify what "provision" means. A distributor should have procedures in place to identify medical device users and arrange alternative power or relocation. Failure to do so could expose the distributor to liability even if the disconnection itself was lawful.

Audit deadlines have passed but obligations continue. The first audit was due by 30 April 2015 and the report by 1 June 2015 (clause 11(2)). These are historical, but ongoing audits are at the Tribunal's direction. A network operator that has not been directed to conduct a further audit should not assume no audit is required; the Tribunal may direct one at any time. Failure to conduct an audit when directed carries a penalty of 10,000 penalty units.

Accreditation renewal time limits are tight. An application for renewal may be made no earlier than one month before expiry and no later than the day before expiry (clause 19(1)). If the application is made within that window, the accreditation remains in force until notice of determination (clause 19(2)). But if the application is late or not made at all, the accreditation expires and the person must reapply as a new applicant. The 28-day limit for seeking review of a refusal to renew is short and runs from receipt of written notice (clause 24(b)(ii)).

Internal review of accreditation decisions is not to the Tribunal. Despite the transfer of many functions to the Tribunal, the review of accreditation decisions under Part 3 Division 3 is to the Secretary (if the decision was made by a delegate) or to the Minister (if by the Secretary personally) (clause 23(3)). This is an internal administrative review, not an external merits review. The person may still have a right to apply to NCAT under the Act for external review, but the Regulation does not address that.

Civil liability cap is $10 million for the designated information provider. Clause 33 caps the liability of the designated information provider (and its officers, employees and agents) for negligent acts or omissions in providing power lines information. This does not cap the liability of network operators or other parties who may cause damage from excavation work.

Bush fire risk mitigation directions must include cost estimates. Clauses 42A was inserted in 2014 to require directions under section 53E(3) of the Act to include either an estimate of potential costs if the network operator does the work (due to owner non-compliance) or a website address with an indicative range of costs. A direction without this content may be invalid.

Scheme Rules are not in the Regulation. Part 3 relies on Scheme Rules made by the Minister by order published in the Gazette (clause 26). The rules are not reproduced in the Regulation. Anyone working with Part 3 must locate the current Scheme Rules and any amendments. The savings provision (clause 44(3)) gives effect to the February 2014 Accredited Service Provider scheme rules as initial Scheme Rules, but those may have been amended.

For network operators (transmission operators and distributors): the primary step is to develop a safety management system that complies with AS 5577-2013 and addresses all matters in clause 7(1)(b). In doing so, take into account the primary objective in clause 6 and any Ministerial codes, standards or guidelines. Where the SMS departs from any such code, specify the departure and document how the alternative achieves an equal or better outcome (clause 7(3)). Implement the SMS and ensure it is brought to the attention of and made readily accessible to persons involved in its implementation (clause 8). Measure performance against the SMS annually. Before publishing the performance results, give written notice to the Tribunal of the intention to publish and the date from which results will be made available (clause 10(3)). Then publish the results on the operator's website, keep copies at the principal office, and bring them to the notice of customers and the public (clause 10(2)). If the Tribunal grants an exemption from publication, follow the exemption. Arrange for audits by a nominated auditor from the Tribunal's panel (or as otherwise directed by the Tribunal). The first audit was due by 30 April 2015; subsequent audits are at Tribunal direction (clause 11(3)). Provide the auditor's report to the Tribunal as soon as practicable after the audit. If the Tribunal issues a direction to implement or modify the SMS, comply within the specified period. Provide evidence of compliance if required (clause 13(3)-(4)). Review the SMS every five years (from the date the SMS was required to be in place) and as soon as practicable after any significant change (including incremental change) in the design, operation or maintenance of the network (clause 14). Maintain records of all reviews and modifications. If the Tribunal requires a report on any injury, incident, system failure or other matter (clause 42), lodge the report within the time and in the manner specified. Comply with any delegation arrangements - the Tribunal may delegate functions to members or officers (clause 43(1)). For bush fire risk mitigation directions to landowners, ensure the direction includes either an estimate of potential costs if the operator does the work (due to owner non-compliance) or a website address with indicative cost ranges (clause 42A).

For providers of contestable services: apply to the Secretary for accreditation in the manner and form specified in the Scheme Rules (clause 17(2)(a)). Specify the class of contestable services sought. Provide any supporting information required by the Scheme Rules or the Secretary, and pay the fee. Ensure that you (and if a body corporate, each director or person concerned in management) are competent and fit and proper persons. Once accredited, comply with all conditions imposed on the accreditation. If you wish to vary or revoke a condition that relates to supervision, inspection or auditing of your work, apply to the Secretary under clause 21(3). Keep your accreditation current by applying for renewal no earlier than one month before expiry and no later than the day before expiry (clause 19(1)). If accreditation is refused, suspended or cancelled, or if adverse conditions are imposed, you may apply for internal review within 28 days (or 56 days for a failure to act on suspension) by writing to the Secretary stating reasons (clause 24). If you operate as a partnership or body corporate, ensure all partners or directors meet the fit and proper person test.

For persons undertaking excavation work: before commencing notifiable excavation work (as defined in clause 29), identify whether your excavation is exempt (shallow depths, emergencies, mining, utility testing, etc.). If not exempt, request power lines information from the designated information provider no earlier than 30 days before work starts (clause 30(2)). If the information provided requires you to give notice to the network operator that owns underground power lines in the vicinity, do so before commencing work and provide any information the operator requests (clause 30(1)). While excavating, have regard to any information provided about the location and type of underground electricity power lines (clause 30(3)). If you damage an underground power line, immediately notify the network operator by telephoning the contact number provided by the designated information provider or, if none, the emergency contact number in a telephone or internet directory (clause 32). Keep a record of the request for information and any correspondence.

For distributors (in their tree management role): establish a tree management plan under clause 37. Before finalising the plan, give the relevant councils, residents of the distribution district and local community groups an opportunity to comment (clause 38). Ensure the plan addresses the matters listed in clause 37(2) (species lists, trimming methods, emergency procedures, cost allocation, environmental factors, public education). Act only under the plan when removing or trimming trees, and only when you have both a separate legal right to do so and compliance with clause 36 (necessity for power line or safety protection, after considering alternatives including aerial bundled cables, controlled trimming, and relocation underground). Document the consideration of alternatives and the opinion that they are not feasible (including economically feasible). Keep the plan up-to-date and amend as needed by a subsequent plan (clause 37(4)).

For all entities: maintain records of all actions taken, including audits, performance measurements, reports, directions, tree management plan consultations, and compliance with disconnection requirements. Be aware that the Regulation does not operate in isolation - check the underlying Act, Scheme Rules, Australian Standards, and any Ministerial codes. When in doubt about the scope of an obligation, seek legal advice. The penalties are substantial, particularly for corporations (up to $1.1 million for some offences).