Federated Farmers: Don't let the farm be overpowered

Electricity lines companies are about to start contacting farmers around the country to undertake work on their land.

It's the time of year that the Federation starts to receive numerous phone calls from members seeking advice on handling requests for land access from electricity lines companies.

Electricity lines companies start contacting farmers around the country to undertake work on their land. That is because during summer the weather is conducive enough to work.

Most of the work that electricity lines companies want to undertake is of the regular repairs and maintenance variety. You are likely used to this and it has never been a problem.

This can be because the lines company does a pretty good job of approaching landowners in a respectful manner and behave on the farm in a sensible fashion.

That, however, isn't always the case. It isn't unusual for members to call us on the 0800 number for advice about the timing and nature of land access sought by electricity lines companies.

Likewise, calls for advice on those occasions when it looks as if the company is attempting to stretch the limits of what they are allowed to do under the Electricity Act 1992.

This is why the Federation have developed a series of fact sheets to guide members in their dealings with various electricity matters.

We have fact sheets that cover new line builds and work on existing lines, as well as fact sheets on easement agreements, tree trimming, and land access.

These materials have been developed to ensure that members can access a better than basic understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

The fact sheets are of course backed up by the Federation's 0800 number and email contacts for members to seek out further advice more specific to their particular situation.

We have a wealth of experience in supporting members through often quite tricky situations.

So, when you are contacted in the weeks and months to come by your electricity lines company for access to your farm, consider contacting Federated Farmers for the advice we have available to you as members.