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All new low voltage connections to our network are underground connections and the cost of the connection is covered by the person making the request.
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All new connections will most likely be via an underground pit or pillar installed on the boundary of your property.
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All cables in the berm will be installed by us and recorded on our mapping system. The cable in the berm is owned by us. Within private property the cable is owned by the property owner.
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Where our network is overhead, a connection will be made available from a pit or pillar installed at the base of the pole.
- To connect a service cable to a pit, the cable needs to be double-insulated, non-screen cable manufactured in accordance with AS4026 - 2008.
Load management is how we temporarily reduce electrical load on our network during periods of high or 'peak' electrical demand or if Transpower, or another electricity industry participant, requests that we carry out load management.
Load management can occur any time of the year for network management reasons and is done by sending a signal from our control room to switch off nominated controlled load to temporarily reduce the amount of electricity being used. When power demand eases, we send out a signal that switches nominated controlled loads back on.
Load management is commonly used on residential electric-water heaters i.e. hot water cylinders, but other loads could include irrigation pumps, pool pumps, electric vehicle charging, air conditioning units, storage space heaters and underfloor heating and other loads that may now or in the future be load controlled.
Customers on a price plan where we can control their nominated controlled load pay a lower price for line charges than those who do not allow control. All arrangements to move to or from a controlled price plan must be made through your electricity retailer. Costs may apply. See hot water page for more information.
Old and poorly maintained service lines, and those close to trees, are most likely to be damaged in bad weather. Damaged service lines not only cause power loss to your home, but they can also be a safety hazard.
Vector does not survey service lines, so you need to arrange to have your lines maintained yourself. Electricity lines are dangerous – any inspection or repair work must only be carried out by qualified electrical workers. Never do the work yourself.
Protect your equipment and appliances from spikes and power surges
Cars crash into poles; animals or trees can damage power lines; storms cause lines to clash - these events can all cause power outages and send voltage spikes through power lines, potentially causing damage to household appliances or business equipment and machinery.
We do not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply and are not liable for damage caused by surges and spikes. Please check if your insurance policy provides cover against such damage. Some insurance policies refer to the effects of spikes and surges as "fusion" and some policies exclude this type of damage.
While spikes and surges are rare, you should protect your sensitive equipment by using a power filter or surge protector.
If you are concerned about losing data on a computer, consider an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). They have battery back-ups which maintain power supply allowing you to shut your computers down safely.
Power quality
Small spikes and surges in power, and electrical 'noise' caused by other non-network equipment, can also affect electronics and cause minor damage that eventually leads to equipment failure.
About 80% of power quality issues are actually caused by other equipment on the same premises, and they are often easily fixed. Power filters and surge protectors will help protect equipment from catastrophic events and also reduce unnecessary wear and tear.