What Is an Electricity Provider (Pole Installation)?
An Electricity Provider (for pole installations) is a licensed company authorised to supply, install, and connect private electricity poles or pillars to the local grid. As an owner builder, you may need a new electricity pole if your site does not already have power infrastructure at the boundary. This provider will coordinate with the energy distributor in your area and ensure your installation meets local safety and clearance regulations.
What Does an Electricity Provider Do?
Your Electricity Provider will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, an Electricity Provider will:
- Assess your site and advise on the type, height, and location of the electricity pole required
- Supply and install the pole (wooden or steel, depending on local standards)
- Arrange connection to the mains power supply and coordinate with the local distributor
- Provide underground or overhead service lines, if required
- Ensure all works comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and energy provider requirements
- Submit any required notifications or compliance documentation
They may also provide temporary builder’s power if you're waiting for your permanent connection to be finalised.
Tip: Don’t Overlook Connection Costs
Some quotes only cover the pole — make sure yours includes connection to the grid, which is often the biggest cost.
If your pole is more than a few metres from the property boundary, you may also need trenching or conduit, especially for underground connections.
If you’re in a rural or bushfire-prone area, a steel pole may be required by your DNSP.
Temporary builder’s power can often be bundled into this stage — ask if it’s cheaper to install both at once.New Paragraph
What Makes a Good Electricity Provider?
A good Electricity Provider will:
- Be accredited to work with your local electricity distributor
- Provide clear, site-specific advice on what’s needed for a compliant installation
- Include trenching, cabling, and connection in their quote (or clearly list exclusions)
- Coordinate all required approvals and inspections on your behalf
- Offer flexibility for owner builders — including temporary power if needed early in the build
Their communication, documentation, and turnaround times are just as important as price.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from Electricity Providers, you’ll need:
- Site address and access details
- Finalised site plan or location of the proposed pole
- Whether you want overhead or underground power
- Name of your local DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider)
- Your expected timeframe for power supply (e.g. for construction start)
Average Timeframe
For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within
7-10 business days.
When Can I Expect Quotes?
Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).
If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pole if there’s already one near the street?
Not always. If the existing infrastructure is within standard distance and compliant, you might only need a connection — your provider will advise.
What’s included in a typical quote?
Pole supply and install, basic hardware, and sometimes trenching or cable installation. Ask for a full breakdown so you’re not caught out by extras.
How soon can I get power on site?
It depends on DNSP approval timelines and your provider’s schedule. Plan for a 2–4 week lead time.
Is this the same as getting permanent power?
No. This step installs the pole and usually includes temporary builder’s power. Permanent connection often comes after metering and switchboard installation.
How to Complete this Task?
STEP 1
Review and Adjust the Scope of Works
Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
STEP 2
Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded
Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:
STEP 3
Update the Quality Assurance Checklist
Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.
STEP 4
Request Quotes
Click the
orange ‘Request Quotes’ button
to start the quoting process.
STEP 5
Review the Quotes
Once you receive quotes:
- Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
- Download attached quote documents for detailed review
- Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews
STEP 6
Communicate with the Pro
If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.
STEP 7
Accept a Quote
Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.
STEP 8
Complete the Tasks In Your App
New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the
Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your
contract and
final Scope of Works whenever needed.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
