Electricity provider and UtiliTel member ETSA Telecom Adelaide general manager, Greg Story, said the group first came together five years ago.

"Five years ago we came together and started sharing information in relation to telecommunications," he said.

"That information sharing covered technical issues, regulatory issues and shareholder issues.

"Eventually all of our networks will be connected, and it will create a fairly formidable footprint over the whole country."

Other members of the group include Aurora Energy, Country Energy, Transgrid, EnergyAustralia and Western Power.