Overhead to Underground: What It Actually Costs and Involves to Remove Your Power Pole for Good

Can you actually get rid of your private power pole by going underground, and what does that cost? Yes — converting your overhead service to an underground supply removes the private pole from your property entirely, but it is a bigger job than a straight pole replacement, involving trenching, conduit, a new underground consumer mains run and a fresh network connection application. Most Sydney homeowners look at it after storm damage, a rotted pole, or simply wanting the pole and overhead lines gone for good.

⚡ Quick Answers: Overhead to Underground Pole Conversion

• Does this remove my power pole completely? Yes, once the underground service is connected and energised, the private pole and its overhead conductors are removed.
• Is it more expensive than replacing the pole? Generally yes — trenching and civil works add cost that a straight pole-for-pole replacement doesn't have, so get both priced before deciding.
• Who approves the new connection? Your network distributor (Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy) approves the new underground connection point and take-off arrangement.
• Is this Level 2 ASP work? Yes — the network-side connection and any work above 3 metres from ground level on the mains must be done by an accredited Level 2 ASP.
• How long does it take? Longer than a pole replacement — expect design, approval, civil works and connection to run over several weeks rather than a single visit.

1. Why homeowners convert overhead to underground

The most common triggers we see are a private pole that has reached the end of its life and needs replacing anyway, storm damage to the pole or overhead line, a landscaping or renovation project where an overhead line is in the way, or simply wanting a cleaner look without a pole and aerial cables across the yard. If your pole is otherwise sound, a straight straightening or like-for-like replacement will usually be cheaper — conversion makes the most sense when you are already facing pole replacement or a major renovation.

2. What the job actually involves

1. Design and application. Your Level 2 ASP electrician designs the new underground consumer mains route and lodges the connection application with your distributor.
2. Civil works. Trenching from the new connection point to your switchboard, with the trench depth and route accounting for existing services, driveways and landscaping.
3. Cable and conduit installation. Underground consumer mains are laid in conduit at the required depth, sized correctly for the load your property needs.
4. Network connection. The distributor connects the new underground service at the network end once the civil and cabling work passes inspection.
5. Pole removal. Once the new supply is live and proven, the old private pole and overhead conductors are removed.

Under the Service and Installation Rules of NSW, alterations to an existing overhead service or consumer mains are generally treated as a new installation, which is part of why a conversion needs a proper design and application rather than being treated as routine maintenance.

3. What drives the cost

Trench length and ground conditions are the biggest factors — a short, easy trench through garden beds costs far less than a long run through paving, driveway crossings or rock. Cable size (driven by your load and the distance run) and whether any existing hardscape needs to be cut and reinstated both add to the civil works component. We only give firm figures after a site visit, because two properties with the same size pole can have very different underground runs.

4. Overhead vs underground — the honest trade-off

Underground supply is more resilient to storms and falling branches, and it removes the pole and visible cabling entirely. It is not always cheaper, and reinstatement of paving, driveways or established gardens can add real cost on top of the electrical work itself. If cost is the main concern and your pole is structurally sound, ask us to price both a straightening or replacement and a conversion side by side before committing.

Why it's Level 2 ASP work

Underground consumer mains work above 3 metres from ground level at the network connection point, and any new network connection, must be carried out by an Authorised Service Provider. This is genuine network-side work, not standard household electrical work, which is why it needs to go through a Level 2 ASP rather than your regular electrician.

How High Demand Electrical Power Pole helps

We handle the whole conversion end to end — design, distributor application, trenching coordination, cable installation and the final network connection — so you deal with one accredited team rather than juggling a civil contractor and an electrician separately. We will tell you honestly if a straightforward pole replacement makes more financial sense for your situation before you commit to the bigger job.

Overhead to Underground Conversion FAQs (Sydney)

Will my garden or driveway be dug up?

The trench follows the shortest practical route to your switchboard, and we plan around existing paving and gardens where possible, but some reinstatement is usually needed.

Can I do this at the same time as a renovation?

Yes — this is one of the most common times to convert, since trenching can often be coordinated with other site works already underway.

Does removing the pole affect my neighbours?

Only if the pole also carries a shared service or network equipment for adjoining properties, which your electrician will check during the design stage.

What happens to the old pole?

Once the new underground supply is connected and proven, the old pole and overhead conductors are removed as part of the job.

Get a Conversion Quote

Ask about overhead to underground conversion for your property. Call 0402 559 777 — every conversion starts with a site assessment so we can price the civil works accurately, not guess at a trench length from a phone call.

Related reading: Composite power poles · Private power poles: ownership, types and rules · On the main site: ABC vs underground service and overhead to underground conversion (consumer mains).