In this article, wave propagation characteristics of a size-dependent graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced composite cylindrical nanoshell coupled with piezoelectric actuator (PIAC) and surrounded with viscoelastic foundation is presented. The effects of small scale are analyzed based on nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) which is an accurate theory employing exact length scale parameter and nonlocal constant. The governing equations of the GNP composite cylindrical nanoshell coupled with PIAC have been evolved using Hamilton's principle and solved with assistance of the analytical method. For the first time in the current study, wave propagation electrical behavior of a GNP composite cylindrical nanoshell coupled with PIAC based on NSGT is examined. The results show that, by decreasing the PIAC thickness, extremum values of phase velocity occur in the lower values of the wave number. Another important result is that, by increasing GPL%, the effects of PIAC thickness on the phase velocity decrease. Finally, influence of PIAC thickness, wave number, applied voltage, and different GPL distribution patterns on phase velocity is investigated using mentioned continuum mechanics theory. Useful suggestion of this research is that for designing of a nanostructure coupled with PIAC attention should be given to PIAC thickness and applied voltage, simultaneously. The outputs of the current study can be used in the structural health monitoring and ultrasonic inspection techniques.