About EA Networks
EA Networks operates the electricity distribution network and an advanced fibre optic communications network in Mid Canterbury, connecting approximately 13,000 consumers.
EA Networks runs the lines and underground cables that carry electricity from the national grid into homes, farms and businesses across their service area. They are not an electricity retailer — they are the lines company that owns the network itself.
EA Networks is one of 17 utility operators active in Canterbury. Most building or landscaping work in this area touches multiple operators' networks at once — power, water and communications cables routinely share the same trench. The list further down shows the other utilities you'll likely need to contact alongside EA Networks.
Where EA Networks operates
Before you dig in Ashburton District
Striking an underground cable can cause injury, large repair bills and outages for your neighbours. Three steps to do it safely.
- 1
Find every operator that serves your site
Map your worksite on UtilityFinder to find every operator that serves the area — power, water, gas and comms in one view — so you don't miss anyone when sending locate requests.
Create your map - 2
Request a locate from EA Networks
Contact EA Networks and any other operators in your area to confirm the position of their underground assets before excavation.
Locate request page - 3
Mark, protect, dig carefully
Mark the locate paint or pegs on site, hand-dig within 0.5 m of marked assets, and never assume a clear trench means clear ground.
Other utilities serving Canterbury
Most building or excavation work touches more than one operator's network. Here's who else you may need to contact.
Power
33 Waters
10
Find every operator serving your site in 30 seconds
UtilityFinder shows every utility operator that serves Canterbury — power, water, gas and comms — with contact details and locate-request links in one shareable view. Plan your dig with confidence.
Create your map — free