In a national first, AusNet has successfully diverted a live 500kV transmission line into Victoria’s Mortlake Terminal Station.
The groundbreaking operation saw the live electricity transfer from the existing Haunted Gully–Tarrone line re-routed through the upgraded Mortlake facility without interrupting power.
This technique, common in the United States but unprecedented in Australia, could significantly reduce planned outages and accelerate grid upgrades as the energy transition gathers pace.
Liz Ryan, AusNet’s executive general manager transmission, said the live line transfer represents a “leading-edge approach” to transmission maintenance and expansion in Australia.
“As the energy transition accelerates, we’ve been investing in new methodologies to enhance our operations and reduce the impact of planned outages on the broader power system,” Ryan said.
“These outages don’t typically affect households directly, but they can increase market costs and delay critical upgrades—so finding ways to avoid them benefits everyone.”
A crew of 30 specialists delivered the complex works, including four live line experts from the U.S. who helped guide the process.
AusNet is now training local contractors in these specialised techniques and is exploring how live line practices could be expanded across its network.
The Mortlake Terminal Station, located in the Moyne Shire of regional Victoria, is undergoing a broader upgrade due for completion by August 2025.
The enhancements will boost network capacity, improve reliability, and support up to 1.5 GW of additional renewable energy in the region.
Part of the Victorian Government’s renewable development plan, the project is central to unlocking new generation and reducing renewable energy curtailment across the state.
AusNet partnered with Consolidated Power Projects and Quanta Energized Services to deliver this pioneering effort.
Subscribe to Energy Today for the latest project and industry news.