Govt Tightens Tree Rules to Boost Power Grid Resilience After Cyclones

Watts reiterated the government’s strategic focus on modernizing and expanding New Zealand’s transmission and distribution networks as part of the country’s wider electrification goals.

In a decisive move to fortify New Zealand’s electricity infrastructure against the increasing threat of severe weather, Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced amendments to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003. These reforms are designed to better safeguard power lines from tree-related damage—particularly trees located outside the designated Growth Limit Zone—and are seen as a crucial step toward climate resilience and infrastructure security.

Power Grid Vulnerabilities Exposed by Extreme Weather

Recent storms, including Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Tam, served as a wake-up call for infrastructure planners and policymakers. These extreme weather events exposed the susceptibility of New Zealand’s power grid to natural disruptions. Cyclone Gabrielle alone resulted in massive power outages, affecting 68,000 households that were left without heating, lighting, internet connectivity, and access to essential appliances.

Minister Watts emphasized the importance of these changes in the face of a changing climate. “Secure electricity lines are critical to electrifying New Zealand’s economy and delivering the resilient and reliable electricity supply we need to power economic growth,” he said. “We’re taking action to deal with the increasing risk of damaged infrastructure and support our adaptation to the changing climate.”

Key Regulatory Changes to Address Treefall Risks

The updated regulations introduce two significant provisions aimed at reducing the risk trees pose to power lines:

1. Treefall Hazard Notices: Electricity lines owners will now have the authority to proactively assess trees that are near—but not necessarily adjacent to—power lines. If a tree is deemed a moderate or high risk based on the likelihood and potential impact of falling, a Treefall Hazard Notice can be issued. This will obligate landowners to take mitigating actions to prevent power line damage.

2. Restrictions on New Tree Planting: In an effort to manage long-term risks, new tree planting on non-forested land outside urban areas will be restricted. This aims to prevent future hazards while still allowing for sustainable land use practices.

These changes are the result of comprehensive consultations with lines companies, property owners, and stakeholders in the forestry and environmental sectors. The government was careful to strike a balance between enhancing grid security, preserving property rights, and ensuring the forestry sector's participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) remains economically viable.

Infrastructure and Climate Preparedness Aligned

Watts reiterated the government’s strategic focus on modernizing and expanding New Zealand’s transmission and distribution networks as part of the country’s wider electrification goals.

“This Government has made it clear that we are committed to unleashing transmission and distribution infrastructure on our mission to electrify the New Zealand economy,” he said. “Ensuring the security of our network infrastructure is essential to delivering reliable electricity to all New Zealanders.”

Next Steps and Long-Term Goals

The amended regulations will not only bolster the resilience of the national electricity grid but also play a vital role in supporting New Zealand’s climate adaptation strategy. As climate-related events become more frequent and intense, proactive infrastructure risk management is expected to become a cornerstone of energy policy.

Electricity providers are now preparing to implement the new Treefall Hazard assessments, and guidance materials will be distributed to landowners and stakeholders in the coming months to ensure compliance and cooperation.

By taking early action, the government is aiming to prevent costly disruptions, enhance community safety, and sustain confidence in the country's electricity system amid an increasingly unpredictable climate.