*Update* Private Underground Consumer Mains on Council Land

TasNetworks is working to address the barriers electrical contractors face in getting private consumer mains connected to our distribution poles and running cables underground on road reserve / council land.

We are currently working closely with Councils and seeking their support to a short-term solution while we continue to work with all key stakeholders on a long-term resolution.

TasNetworks Proposed Short Term Solution (note: this process is not yet in place)

  • Establish a process that enables the recording of private underground consumer mains across council land / road reserves in BYDA.
    • The Electrical Industry will be advised of these requirements once finalised.
    • The Customer or EC will still need to secure the necessary permits and approvals before beginning any work within a road reserve or council land.
  • Once finalised and communicated to all key stakeholders, TasNetworks will commence recording new and existing connections in BYDA
  • Customers will continue to own and be responsible for the private consumer mains.
  • In the event of a fault, TasNetworks will make safe as required and advise that it will be the customer's responsibility to address any further repairs.

This process will still take some time to implement, in the interim to avoid delays with your connections, it is important to follow the process outlined in the current Service & Installation Rules. Remember, if you plan to install private underground consumer mains within a road reserve and connect to a TasNetworks pole, TasNetworks will not approve these connections without the appropriate approval from the relevant councils (or landowners).

Please ensure you secure the necessary permits and approvals before beginning any work within a road reserve or council land, as there is no guarantee that the council or landowner will grant these approvals.

We will continue to update you as we progress.


What do I do if I cannot obtain council approval to run private consumer mains across council land?

  • There are alternate connection arrangements available as per the SIR.
    • Overhead
    • Overhead to Private Pole then Underground
    • Underground from Distribution Turret

Can TasNetworks register private underground consumer mains in BYDA?

  • This is our intention; however, we need to finalise processes before we can begin recording this information.
  • Registering private assets in BYDA is considered a ring-fenced task and as TasNetworks must adhere to Ring-fencing guidelines we will continue to work with the AER to obtain the appropriate Waiver.

When will this be resolved?

  • We will continue to work with stakeholders to find a solution however we cannot provide an estimated resolution timeframe at this stage.
  • We will keep the industry updated as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions on this process, please contact our Connection Services Team: 📧network.EWRadministration@tasnetworks.com.au

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve the connection process.