Transmission network

We own and maintain the transmission towers and lines that supply electricity across Victoria.

Overview

Our transmission network spans 6,620 kilometres and transports electricity from where it’s made (power plants) to Victoria’s five distribution networks (AusNet, Citipower/Powercor, United Energy and Jemena).

We connect and supply power to 6.6 million Victorians and help connect power to NSW, South Australia and Tasmania.  

 



Host landholder information

We strive to create positive relationships with host landholders so we can safely and reliably operate and maintain the transmission network across Victoria.


Inspections

Our transmission towers and lines run across public and private land.

If your property has transmission lines crossing it, there will be an easement on either side of the towers. We own the easements and use it to gain clear and safe access to our towers to carry out inspections and maintenance.

For more information on our inspection and maintenance obligations, see Transmission line inspections.


Land access notifications

We’re required to inspect every transmission tower, powerline and easement yearly, to make sure they’re in safe working condition. Section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act gives us the ability to access land to carry out our inspection and maintenance activities.

We understand the importance of giving you notice before we access your land. If we have your contact details, we’ll do our best to contact you before we visit.

If you haven’t given us your details, please fill out this online form. You can let us know how you would like us to contact you and if there are any special access requirements. 


Working near transmission lines

Using equipment and vehicles around high-voltage transmission towers and lines can be dangerous.

Make sure you know the safe height clearance of overhead powerlines on your property.

Proposed transmission lines

If your property is in the proposed Western Renewables Link corridor, visit Western Renewables Link.

Existing transmission lines

Before working near our transmission assets, you’ll need approval from our Line Assets Easements Group. You must not use vehicles and equipment, such as cranes, excavators and elevated working platforms, under our existing transmission lines if they exceed 3 metres in operating height.

A higher operating height limit can be possible, but this depends on sufficient clearances to the conductors and requires a ‘Permit to Work Adjacent to Exposed High Voltage Electrical Apparatus’. To apply for this or any other permit to work under transmission lines, email PTW@ausnetservices.com.au.


Why do wires dip?

Although towers and wires are built to strict specifications, it is perfectly normal for wires to dip at times depending on several factors. The main reason a wire will dip is temperature; the higher the temperature of the wire the more likely it is to dip.

A wire’s temperature can increase based on energy load, wind strength and direction, ambient temperature, the heat of the sun etc.

Over time the earth and transmission infrastructure may also move slightly, no different to how houses can move over time, which can cause the wires to dip. AusNet regularly inspects and maintains our transmission network to ensure these changes are recorded and fixed when necessary. 



More information

Factsheets