company Powerco has added Launceston to the live network that included Bell Bay, Longford, Devonport, Westbury and Wynyard.

As part of its gas distribution agreement with the Tasmanian Government, the New Zealand-based company is finalising the remainder of the first stage pipeline installation in Hobart and Burnie.

Natural gas is expected to be flowing to some customers in the Glenorchy area by February with the remainder of the Hobart and Burnie backbones expected to be commissioned shortly thereafter.

Economic development minister Lara Giddings said the Launceston commissioning would enable natural gas supply to major industrial customers like Bradken Resources and Industrial Galvanizers.

The extension of the network to Bradken Resources at Youngtown, outside the development agreements with the State Government, allowed construction to areas not previously planned.

Powerco is due to commence the stage 2a residential network rollout early this year.