Overview
We’re replacing ageing or damaged insulators across our transmission network to keep supplying safe and reliable electricity across Victoria.
Insulators keep electricity flowing through the powerlines and stop it from going where it shouldn’t - into towers, poles or the ground. They help keep people, property and our network safe.
What we’ll do
- Inspect our whole transmission network and identify insulators that need to be replaced.
- Remove and replace ageing or damaged insulators on towers and poles.
- Use specialised equipment, including elevated work platforms.
- Use helicopters in some areas where ground access is difficult.
- Access towers using existing tracks and easements where possible.
- Reinstate work areas after works are complete.
- This upgrade will be done tower by tower, with crews spending a few days at each site.
What to expect
If you live or work near transmission towers, you may notice:
- crews and vehicles working within the easements – including 4WD vehicles, trucks or elevated platforms
- helicopters hovering over the tower (occasionally)
- temporary dust and noise – this will be within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
These impacts are temporary and we’ll aim to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Landholders
If you have transmission tower(s) on your property, we’ll contact you before we start work on or near your property to:
- agree on access arrangements
- consider farming activities and seasonal constraints
- use existing tracks where possible
- follow biosecurity requirements
- reinstate any disturbed areas.
For your safety, please:
- keep a safe distance from the works
- follow directions from crews
- do not approach machinery or active works.
Planned outages
We may need to turn the power off to complete this work safely.
If an outage is needed, we’ll schedule it in advance and tell impacted customers.
Why is this work important?
Over time, insulators wear out due to weather, pollution and ageing.
Replacing them helps:
- reduce the risk of faults and outages
- maintain a safe electricity network
- support long-term network reliability.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this program:
Phone: 1300 360 795 (8am to 5pm, weekdays)
Email: transmissionprojects@ausnetservices.com.au