You're building a duplex on a block that currently has one house and one private power pole. How do you get power to two homes? There are three realistic paths. You can reuse or replace the private pole and split the supply behind it, go underground to a new service pit or pillar, or set up separate connections for each dwelling. Which one fits depends on your distributor's requirements, whether the lots will be subdivided, and where the existing pole sits relative to the new building footprints. Get this decided early. Power supply is one of the most common late surprises on dual occupancy builds.

⚡ Quick Answers: Duplex Power Supply

Can I build a duplex on R2 land now?
Since 1 July 2024, NSW's Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy has allowed dual occupancies in R2 zones across NSW, subject to planning controls.

Do both homes need their own connection?
It depends on your distributor's rules and whether the lots are subdivided. Some sites use one connection with separate meters. Others need two connection points.

Can I keep the existing private pole?
Sometimes. It often ends up in the way of the new footprint or driveway, or isn't sized for two dwellings.

When should I plan the power?
At design stage, before the DA is finalised, so the pole, pit and meter positions are drawn correctly.

Who does the connection work?
A Level 2 ASP handles the disconnection, temporary supply, service line or underground connection and final energisation.

Why duplex power supply is a growing question in Sydney

The NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy started on 1 July 2024, allowing dual occupancies and semi-detached homes in R2 low-density zones across NSW. A second stage started on 28 February 2025, adding more housing types near nominated town centres and stations across Greater Sydney. The policy is expected to deliver up to 112,000 new homes over five years. Many of those projects are on older blocks in established suburbs where the house is fed from a private power pole, so the supply has to be redesigned for two homes.

Step 1: Decommission the existing supply

Before demolition, the existing house supply has to be made safe. That means a permanent disconnection at the pole or pit, and meter removal arranged through the retailer. Your builder can't start until this is done and documented. See our knockdown rebuild power sequence guide for the full order of works.

Step 2: Temporary builder's supply

Your builder needs power on site throughout construction. A temporary builder's supply is a compliant temporary pole or board connected to the network by a Level 2 ASP. Position it where it won't block excavation, slab pours or deliveries, and where it can stay until the permanent supply is live.

Step 3: Choose the permanent supply arrangement

Option A: New private pole with split supply

A new or replacement private pole feeds a common point, and separate consumer mains run to each dwelling's meter. This can work well where overhead supply is already in the street and the pole position suits the new layout. The pole must be sized and braced for the combined load and conductor tension.

Option B: Underground to a pit or pillar

Many duplex builds go underground. Supply comes from the network pole down to a pit or pillar, then underground consumer mains run to each dwelling. It removes the private pole, frees up space in a tight footprint and looks cleaner for resale. It usually costs more because of trenching. See our overhead to underground conversion service.

Option C: Two separate connections

Where lots are Torrens-subdivided or the distributor requires it, each dwelling may need its own connection point, service and metering. This is the most flexible for future owners but involves the most network paperwork.

Planning checkpoints that save money

Get the supply design into the architectural plans. Pole, pit and meter positions should be on the drawings, not worked out on site.
Size for future load. Two homes with EV chargers, batteries and ducted air-con add up fast. Three-phase to one or both dwellings is common now. See our three-phase guide.
Think about the driveway. Existing private poles often sit where the new driveway or second garage goes. Pole relocation or underground conversion needs to be priced early. See our pole relocation guide.
Check clearances. Overhead services must maintain clearance over driveways, roofs and pools. Two-storey designs can change what's compliant.
Apply early. Distributor approvals take time. Late applications are a common cause of handover delays.

What drives the cost

Duplex supply costs vary widely because the scope varies widely. The main drivers are overhead versus underground, trench length and surface reinstatement, single or three-phase to each dwelling, one connection versus two, pole replacement or removal, and the number of meter positions. We price this as one scope from disconnection through to final energisation, so there are no gaps between trades.

Why one Level 2 team for the whole build

A duplex build touches the network four times: disconnection, temporary supply, permanent connection and final energisation. Using one Level 2 ASP across all four means one point of contact for your builder, consistent paperwork with the distributor and no finger-pointing if a date slips.

Plan your duplex power supply

Call 0402 559 777 or send us your plans. We'll recommend the supply arrangement that suits your site and price the whole sequence, from disconnection to handover.

Powering a Duplex in Sydney: Private Pole, Underground Pit or Split Supply?