Where the rule comes from

The NSW Accredited Service Provider scheme reserves work on the customer connection (the pole, the overhead or underground service, the consumer mains and the meter) for Level 2 ASPs. The accreditation covers the safety training, the equipment and the paperwork process that live network work requires. It is not a formality; it is the only way the work gets done legally.

What "a mate who does poles" actually means

Occasionally a general electrician will offer to replace a pole and "get the Level 2 bit sorted". In practice that means either a Level 2 is subcontracted to do the connection (fine, but ask who, and get their ASP number), or nobody accredited is involved and the job is never notified to Ausgrid. The second case leaves you with an unregistered pole, no CCEW, and a problem the next time an inspector or an insurer looks.

What to ask any pole quote

  • Which ASP will do the work, and what is their number?
  • Is the Ausgrid notification and energisation included?
  • Will I receive a CCEW?
  • Is disposal of the old pole included?

Cost and time

Like-for-like hardwood replacement from about $2,800 on the Central Coast, one day on site, usually booked within a week. Details on the pole replacement page and in the cost guide.