The Tasmanian Government has slashed red tape to make it easier for homeowners to have underground power.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said this was a win for homeowners wishing to put the power lines to their properties underground.
"We have slashed red tape to give electrical contractors and customers a simpler, safer connection process," Minister Duigan said.
"This is just another way we are delivering on what matters to Tasmanians, by cutting unnecessary or outdated red tape and making life simpler for homeowners, builders and developers, while allaying the concerns of local government authorities."
Currently a little-known provision of the 30-year-old Electricity Supply Industry Act meant that underground connections from customers could not cross title boundaries to connect with the electricity grid.
"One of the main concerns is whether the location of these connections is being recorded correctly with Before You Dig Australia so they can be avoided if there is any work taking place on the public land," Minister Duigan said.
"As the energy distributor, TasNetworks will now take responsibility for recording the location of these lines with Before You Dig Australia, just as it already does for its own works.
"TasNetworks is working to ensure older connections are also correctly recorded and is preparing to commence new connections now the new rules have come into force."
National Electrical and Communications Association executive director, Ben Shaw, said this is welcome news to the electrical contracting sector.
"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," Mr Shaw 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.
"This outcome is a great example of government, industry, and TasNetworks working together to achieve practical solutions.
"On behalf of the Electrical Contracting sector, NECA Tasmania thanks TasNetworks and the Government for addressing and solving this complex issue."
The Electricity Supply Industry Amendment Regulations 2025 were gazetted today, as part of the Tasmanian Government's War on Red Tape.
