The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) granted a ring-fencing waiver to Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd (TasNetworks), from clause 3.1(b) of the Ring-fencing guideline (Electricity distribution). The waiver allows TasNetworks to record Private Underground Electricity Cable (PUEC) asset information into the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) database, until 30 June 2029.
PUECs are installed as part of connecting a property’s electricity cables to the distribution network. PUECs are installed underground beyond the boundaries of the property and do not supply electricity to any other property. The BYDA database service provides information on underground infrastructure for users planning to dig underground. This service helps protect underground infrastructure assets, and to prevent harm and injury to those working around those assets.
The existence of PUEC on public land in Tasmania is creating a public safety hazard as there is no clear responsibility for recording these into BYDA. TasNetworks sought this waiver to allow it to record PUEC asset information into BYDA, on behalf of councils, electrical contractors and consumers.
We granted TasNetworks a waiver as it aligns with the principles of the National Electricity Objective, in ensuring a reliable, safe, secure supply of electricity for Tasmanian electricity customers. Granting this waiver ensures the risk to the public of injury or death when engaging in excavation work on public land is minimised.