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Network competencies

When to complete network competencies?

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.

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.

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 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.

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:

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.

I do not hold certification on an equivalent network

How do I gain/update MainPower network competencies, if I do not hold certification on an equivalent network? Fill out the required network competency form. In this, you’ll need to:

Step 3 Complete the Contractor Induction Assessment.

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

Step 2Familiarise yourself with the MainPower Contractor Handbook.

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

Step 1 Read through and understand the content

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

You will be notified once competency has been issued.

I hold certification on an equivalent network

How do I gain/renew MainPower competencies if I already hold competencies on another Network? Fill out the required network competency form. In this, you’ll need to:

Step 1 Provide evidence

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

Step 2Complete the online training courses

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

Step 3 Let us know when complete

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

You will be notified once competency has been issued.

Relevant documents

Some information and agreements that you might need.

Read through and understand the contents of the MainPower Contractor Induction.

Familiarise yourself with the MainPower Contractor Handbook.

Apply here

Before completing the competencies, 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/renew 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.

Outage notifications

Kaiapoi planned work

Kaiapoi residents may notice an increase in planned power outages over the coming months, as MainPower work to upgrade electricity assets in the area. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour fault line to report an emergency call 111.

Outage notifications

Kaiapoi planned work

Kaiapoi residents may notice an increase in planned power outages over the coming months, as MainPower work to upgrade electricity assets in the area. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour fault line to report an emergency call 111.

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