Tasmanian homeowners can now have power lines installed underground after the state government axed a little-known rule that had been blocking connections for three decades.
The Electricity Supply Industry Act prevented underground cables from crossing property boundaries to connect with the grid, creating headaches for homeowners, builders and electrical contractors.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the change would make things simpler.
“We have slashed red tape to give electrical contractors and customers a simpler, safer connection process,” he said.
The main sticking point was ensuring underground connections were properly recorded with Before You Dig so workers could avoid damaging them during excavation.
Under the new rules, TasNetworks will take responsibility for recording all new private underground lines with Before You Dig, just as it does for its own infrastructure.
TasNetworks is also working to correctly record older connections and is ready to start new installations now the regulations have taken effect.
National Electrical and Communications Association executive director Ben Shaw welcomed the breakthrough.
“We are excited that this issue has now been resolved. It has been a long road, but the result will make a real difference on the ground,” he said.
“Contractors can now get on with the job, consumers will face fewer unnecessary costs and much-needed housing projects won’t be held up by avoidable red tape.”
TasNetworks CEO Sean McGoldrick said the solution would save customers time and money.
“TasNetworks is taking on some additional responsibility to make this work,” he said.
“But with our expertise and record-keeping systems, it makes sense for us to carry that burden rather than customers or others in the process.”
Homeowners will still be responsible for maintaining and repairing their private underground cables, even those on public land.
Electrical contractors must also continue to obtain council approval before starting work.
