Anyone who wishes to undertake electrical work on the MainPower network must be competent to work around electricity, competent to access the MainPower network, and competent in the duties that they are employed to perform. If you don’t hold all these competencies, then you can only work on the MainPower network under direct supervision.

MainPower’s network typically begins where the low voltage overhead lines or underground cables cross the edge of the customer’s property. Our network generally includes all low and high voltage lines above or cables under public roads, as well as almost all high voltage equipment, including equipment supplying customers on their property. Some large facilities own their own HV equipment. There are lots of historical exceptions to these rules of thumb. It is important to avoid interfering with the network, if in doubt then check with MainPower before working.

To access any electrical equipment or restricted area (containing equipment that could cause harm), you must have MainPower’s express approval and authority to work. This approval can only be given to competent people.

To gain new network access competencies or to update expiring/expired competencies, there are two options. You will either:

  • Have certificates of competency from another Network, and wish to gain/update the equivalent competencies on the MainPower network, or;

  • You have no network access competencies at all and wish to gain/renew competencies from MainPower directly via MainPower provided courses.

Competencies expire every 12 or 24 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your competencies and related certificates are current and submitted for renewal before they expire. Network access requests with expired competencies will be refused.

How do I gain/update MainPower network competencies, if I already hold certification on an equivalent network?

  • Fill out the required network competency form. In this, you’ll need to:

  • Provide evidence that you are trained to work safely around electrical infrastructure.

  • Supply copies of current competency certificates from an equivalent network, including a copy of your EWRB license and First Aid certificates.

  • Be familiar with the MainPower Induction for Competent Persons and pass the online assessment, provided upon application.

You will be notified once competency has been issued.

How do I gain/renew MainPower competencies if I do not hold competencies on another Network?

  • Fill out the required network competency form. In this, you’ll need to:

  • Provide evidence that you are trained to work safely around electrical infrastructure, including a current copy of your EWRB license and First Aid certificates.

  • Complete the online training courses and assessments for access to the network, provided upon application.

  • You must advise NSR@mainpower.co.nz once you have completed the assessment.

You will be notified once competency has been issued.