From 1 January 2026, Powercor will introduce a new process that will apply to all urban/brownfield design submissions.
Where proposed electrical assets conflict with existing third-party infrastructure, detailed designs must now include photographic evidence and surveyed locations of nearby assets. This evidence must be recorded by a Powercor-recognised detailer and submitted with the design package to Powercor.
Background
Powercor has identified a significant number of projects designed with inaccurate existing asset references, including incorrect offsets and depths. This is often due to outdated or unreliable records.
As a result, projects have at times been unable to be constructed as per approved designs, leading to:
• Trenching conflicts,
• Requests for over-depth approval,
• Variations due to undocumented or mis documented assets.
These issues frequently cause delays in project delivery, requiring further Powercor approvals mid-construction. The new process is intended to reduce these risks and ensure that construction proceeds smoothly, with fewer rework requirements and delays.
Actions Taken by BFD
To keep your projects compliant and on track, BFD has introduced service proving (EG targeted non-destructive digging/potholing and photographic capture) for affected projects. This will be included as a variation to the design scope where required
We will:
• Confirm whether your project triggers the requirement,
• Arrange quotes and coordinate accredited survey/detail works,
• Incorporate evidence and any required cross-sections into the final design package.
Asset Proofing process
Below is an outline of the new process.
1. Requirement Assessment
We review your project requirements to determine whether asset proving, verification, or accredited survey works are required under applicable authority or network standards.
2. Coordination of Accredited Survey & Investigation Works
Where required, we coordinate accredited surveyors and specialist contractors to complete:
- Asset locating and detail surveys
- Service proving investigations
- Non-destructive digging (NDD) works
- Existing infrastructure verification
3. Early Design-Phase Verification
Early site investigations are undertaken during the design phase to confirm the location and condition of existing assets. This proactive approach:
- Minimises the risk of inaccurate asset information
- Reduces redesign costs and construction delays
- Improves design accuracy and constructability
4. Evidence Integration into Design Documentation
All verified field information, survey evidence, and required cross-sections are incorporated into the final design package to ensure compliance and submission readiness.
5. Compliance & Submission Readiness
Designs that do not include the required verification evidence may not be accepted for review by authorities such as Powercor. Our process ensures all supporting information is completed prior to submission.
6. Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) Requirements
Where applicable, non-destructive digging is completed during the design phase to physically verify the location of existing underground assets before finalisation of design documentation.
We are proactively reviewing our current project pipeline and will reach out where these requirements apply.
If you believe an active or upcoming project may be impacted, please contact your BFD Project Manager. We will assess the site context and provide you with scope, timing, and a clearly priced variation for approval.
We appreciate your support as the industry moves towards higher evidentiary standards. Our shared goal is to maintain smooth approvals, reduce rework, and avoid unnecessary delays or audit issues.