Pole Hold Solutions
Power pole hold, often referred to as utility poles, are a critical part of Australia’s electricity network, providing the backbone for the safe and efficient transmission of electricity to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. These poles support power lines and serve as the main connection point for electrical supply, ensuring that communities have reliable access to power.
In Australia, power poles can be either part of the public network or privately owned. Private power poles are typically found on private property and are the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. This includes regular inspections, organising repairs, and ensuring the pole and its associated equipment meet all relevant safety standards and technical requirements outlined in the Electricity Supply Act. Proper power pole installation is essential, as it must account for factors such as ground stability, safe clearances, and the use of appropriate materials – whether wooden poles, steel poles, or metal poles.
Pole Holds – Civil Works
GNB Energy provides compliant pole hold services for civil works projects across Queensland, supporting contractors, developers and government entities working around live electrical infrastructure and the broader electricity network.
Our team includes over 30 experienced civil workers, operators, licensed electricians, linesmen, fibre technicians and foremen, all trained to deliver safe, efficient outcomes on complex sites involving power poles, utility pole assets and live power lines.
We offer a reliable pole holds solution using specialised borer lifters capable of stabilising poles while excavation, boring or construction works are carried out. This allows projects to proceed safely around power poles and overhead powerlines, helping to support power lines, protect assets and maintain project timelines.
What is a pole hold?
A pole hold is a temporary stabilisation measure used when civil works are carried out near existing power poles or a utility pole. These works can compromise the structural integrity of a pole, particularly where excavation, ground disturbance or load changes occur.
A correctly implemented electrical pole holds approach helps:
- Maintain safety around live power lines
- Protect network assets and existing connections within the electricity network
- Prevent pole movement, collapse or damage – including the risk of a fallen power pole
- Reduce the risk of power outages or project delays
Pole holds may be required on wooden poles, steel poles or metal poles, depending on site conditions, asset type and surrounding infrastructure.
When is a pole hold required?
Pole holds are typically required when civil works are undertaken near power poles or overhead powerlines, especially where works may affect the pole footing or surrounding ground conditions that support power lines.
Common scenarios include:
- Excavation or boring near live power poles
- Works involving active HV connections on a power pole installation
- Projects on private property or around private power poles
- Civil works impacting cross arms, guy wires or pole top fittings
- Works involving privately owned power poles or private poles
Where poles have active high-voltage connections, a report from a Certified Structural Engineer is required. GNB Energy assesses each site individually and advises on the appropriate pole hold requirements to meet safety standards, compliance obligations and asset protection outcomes.
Who can legally provide a pole hold?
Only Energex and Ergon-rated contractors can legally provide pole holds on Energex power poles. Authorised Energex personnel are not permitted to physically hold or stabilise Energex assets.
GNB Energy holds the required accreditations and approvals to deliver compliant Electric pole holds across Queensland, ensuring works are carried out by a qualified electrical contractor in accordance with Australian Standards and the Electricity Supply Act.
Why engaging the right pole holder contractor matters
Pole holds are not a general labour task – they are a high-risk activity involving live electrical infrastructure.
Engaging an accredited provider helps:
- Maintain safety for workers and the public
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and network requirements
- Avoid defect notices, rework or project delays
- Protect the integrity of the electricity network
Our approach focuses on planning, coordination and risk management, ensuring poles remain properly maintained throughout the entire process.
Triple certification and compliance assurance
GNB Energy is triple-certified under Southpac Certification for Quality, OHS and Environment, and is both Energex and Ergon-rated.
This ensures every pole hold is delivered by licensed electricians using established systems that prioritise safety, environmental responsibility and quality outcomes. Our teams operate across urban areas and rural areas, maintaining safe clearances and meeting all relevant technical requirements.
Quality
OHS
Environment
Trusted by major infrastructure projects
From road upgrades to large-scale civil and electrical works, GNB Energy is trusted by leading contractors and government entities to deliver safe, compliant outcomes on complex projects.
Let’s talk about your project
If your project involves works near power poles or overhead powerlines, early advice can help prevent delays and compliance issues.
Civil contractors, property developers and government entities rely on GNB Energy for practical, compliant pole hold solutions across Queensland.
FAQs
A pole holder is responsible for stabilising power poles during civil works that may impact their footing or structural integrity. This role is critical when working near live power lines, overhead powerlines or assets connected to the electricity network, ensuring poles remain secure throughout the entire process.
In many cases, yes. Works involving private power poles, private poles, or privately owned power poles may still require a pole hold, particularly where the pole supports live power supply or connects into the broader electricity network. Requirements vary depending on the property owner, pole condition, and connection type.
Yes. A pole hold may be required during power pole installation or replacement works to stabilise adjacent utility pole assets and support power lines while connections are transferred or modified. This is particularly important where existing connections, cross arms, or pole top fittings are present.
Pole holds may be required for wooden poles, steel poles, and metal poles, depending on site conditions and load factors. Each pole is assessed individually to ensure it remains properly maintained and capable of safely supporting live infrastructure during works.
Pole hold services must be delivered by a qualified electrical contractor and licensed electrician who is Energex or Ergon-rated. This ensures compliance with Australian Standards and obligations under the Electricity Supply Act. Using an unauthorised electrical contractor can result in safety breaches or a defect notice.
A compliant pole hold helps reduce the risk of electric shock, power outages, and structural failure – including the potential for a fallen power pole. Pole holds also protect network assets, electrical equipment, and components such as guy wires, ground wire, and the neutral wire.
Yes. Conditions such as high winds, lightning strikes, vegetation growth, or a bushfire hazard can affect pole stability. In some cases, coordination with a qualified tree trimming contractor may also be required to ensure safe clearances around overhead powerlines.
A pole holder should be engaged as early as possible – ideally during planning or pre-construction. Early engagement helps avoid delays caused by access issues, locked gates, compliance checks, or unexpected defect notice requirements once works begin.
Get in touch with GNB Energy today, and let’s get started on your overhead powerlines project.
Get in touch with GNB Energy today
Let’s get started on your overhead powerlines project.
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Civil Contractor’s, Property Developers and Government entities use GNB Energy’s services to grow. For a hassle-free quote give us a call today.