The public have been urged to take care around power supply - both underground and overhead- following a sharp increase in damage to lines.
Unison Networks reminded the public to take care around its electricity network following a significant increase in the number of third-parties making inadvertent contact with lines.
Since April this year Unison crews have been sent to 46 faults across Rotorua, Taupo, and Hawke's Bay to make safe and carry out repairs to both overhead and underground electricity lines damaged by the public.
This compares with 16 incidents at the same time in 2016.
Incidents included motor vehicle accidents, high loads contacting overhead wires, trees being felled though lines and a number of near misses involving metal stakes being driven into the ground, narrowly missing high voltage cabling.
Unison's General Manager Networks and Operations, Jaun Park, said last month they had six motor accidents, two high loads contacting overhead lines, and a handyman who felled a tree through lines.
"We want to reiterate to the community the importance of being aware and vigilant about their own safety, and the safety of the community when around powerlines and cables.
"Whether it's working in the vicinity of our poles and lines, trimming trees or digging, safety is paramount and we need to work together to eliminate these types of incidents.