Land access

Orion's electricity network is on or over private and public land and our relationship with landowners is key to managing our network and keeping the power on for our community. We require access to undertake inspections, works, maintenance and 24/7 access for emergency works.

Our access rights to undertake our electrical works on your property are covered by the Electricity Act 1992(external link) and/or Easement Instruments registered against the land title. However, we appreciate that landowners and occupiers may have access requirements that we should be aware of.

Understanding land use and access requirements

We understand new or existing landowners do not always know what electrical network is on their land and why access is required. We value the opportunity to discuss and understand your requirements. Understanding and collecting information on owner/or occupiers, the land use and your requirements of us to access the land is important for us to plan and undertake our works.

Orion collects landowner and/or occupier's contact details so that we can contact you to discuss our access and work requirements. We also require after hours/emergency contact details so we can access our network outside business hours. Orion works alongside landowners to keep staff and contractors safe by discussing access requirements, hazards and key landowner or occupier contacts.  

Some of the land access information we consider:

• Land use e.g. industrial, commercial, or agricultural.
• Security restrictions (locked or electric gates, dogs).
• Safety protocols e.g. Escorts required or sign in requirements.
• Biosecurity restrictions.
• Prior notification for inspections.
• Best access points and routes to access network.
• Narrow tracks of culverts/bridges.

Non-electrical hazards

We need to know if there are non-electrical hazards near the network, or access to the network, that would impact the safety of our staff while undertaking their work.

We understand things change, but non-electrical hazards can include:

• Hazardous goods/chemical storage areas.
• Heavy traffic/forklift.
• Air strips.
• Dangerous stock/dogs.
• Forestry operations.
• Steep/narrow tracks.

Drone and/or helicopters

Drones and helicopters are used to inspect and patrol our network during faults and routine inspections.

Drones are cost and time effective, safer than vehicles in remote or unstable terrain and have no impact on soil and little disturbance of stock. Where suitable to fly we seek landowner permission, and our pilots comply with all Civil Aviation requirements.

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How we use land access information

Your contact information and requirements are collected and saved within Land Access Arrangements and within our internal contacts database. This information is used by Orion staff and contractors engaged to undertake work on our behalf and allows us to readily communicate with you to discuss our access needs and work requirements. This information is important for the safety of our staff and contractors to meet our responsibilities as a Person Conducting a Business Undertaking.