Private Underground Electrical Connections

Published on 30 October 2024

The City of Launceston is committed to the safety of its community and will not approve applications for the installation of Private Underground Electrical Connections (PUEC) in its road reservations.

TasNetworks, the state's electricity and transmission distributor, has advised Tasmania's local government sector that it wishes to request customers to seek Council approval for new PUECs when electrical mains cross Council-managed land.

The City of Launceston has written to TasNetworks to advise that the installation of unrecorded and unmaintained private underground electrical connections represents an unacceptable safety risk to any person carrying out excavation work in the road reservation. 

The City of Launceston is aware that many other Tasmanian Councils hold similar positions.

As the manager of the road reservation, the City of Launceston will only consent to the placement of electrical conduit in its road reservation if TasNetworks undertakes to record and take responsibility for the assets, and the asset can be discovered during Before You Dig Australia queries. 

As the State's electrical distribution authority, TasNetworks is best placed and best resourced to keep records of the existence of PUECs to help keep our community safe. 

The City of Launceston understands that TasNetworks is currently reviewing whether it will continue to allow PUECs in future.

The City of Launceston will continue to work with other municipalities to seek the best outcomes for the Tasmanian community. 

It is important to note that there are alternative options for electrical connections — including a private overhead connection pole, or installation of an electrical turret at the property boundary for underground connections.