Electricity Act 1994

Subject to subsections (3), (4) and (6), an electricity officer for an electricity entity may enter a place to fix damage or harm to the place caused by, or in connection with, works or an electrical installation of the entity if the entity is satisfied, on reasonable grounds—

the damage or harm is, or is likely to be, serious; and

the need to fix the damage or harm is urgent.

The power under subsection (1) may be exercised—

at any time; and

without the consent of, or notice to, the occupier of the place to be entered.

However, if the occupier is present at the place, before entering the place, the officer must do, or make a reasonable attempt to do, the following things—

identify himself or herself to the occupier, in the way stated in section 70;

tell the occupier the purpose of the entry;

seek the consent of the occupier to the entry;

tell the occupier the officer is permitted under this Act to enter the place without the occupier’s consent.

Also, if the occupier is not present at the place, the officer must take reasonable steps to advise the occupier of the officer’s intention to enter the place.

Subsections (3) and (4) do not require the officer to take a step that the officer reasonably believes may frustrate or otherwise hinder the fixing of the damage or harm.

This section does not authorise entry to a residence.