Network competencies
Do you need to apply for a network competency?
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.
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.
We’re here to help. Get in touch if you need help. Or, check out our FAQs.
MainPower network
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 high voltage equipment. There are lots of historical exceptions to these rules of thumb. It is important to avoid interfering with the network. If in doubt, check with MainPower before working.
Gaining network access competencies
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
- have no network access competencies at all and wish to gain 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.
Do you already hold competencies on another network?
To gain/update MainPower competencies, fill out the competent person application. In this, you’ll need to:
Supply copies of current competency certificates from an equivalent network, including a copy of your Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) licence and current First Aid certificates.
Provide evidence that you have current, relevant electrical training to work safely around electrical infrastructure. For example, a letter from your current employer stating the training you have undertaken.
Be familiar with the MainPower Induction for Competent Persons and pass the online assessment, provided upon application.
See below to begin the application process.
You will be notified when your competency has been issued.
Do you have no network access competencies?
To gain MainPower network competencies, fill out the non-competent person application. In this, you’ll need to:
Provide evidence that you are trained to work safely around electrical infrastructure, including a current copy of your Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) licence 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 when your competency has been issued.
Apply here
Before completing the competency applications, read the relevant documents as outlined above.
You have certificates of competency from another network and wish to gain/update the equivalent competencies on the MainPower network.
You have no network access competencies at all and wish to gain competencies from MainPower directly via MainPower-provided courses.
We’re here to help
If you need some assistance or advice, please get in touch with our team.