What transmission does
Generators produce power far from where most people live: coal and gas plants near fuel supplies, hydro in the mountains, wind and solar farms where the resource is best. Transmission lines carry that power at very high voltage, from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of volts, because higher voltage loses less energy over long distances.
At terminal stations, transmission hands over to the distribution networks, which bring the voltage down in stages to the level used in homes. Some large industrial users, such as smelters, connect straight to the transmission grid.
Australia's transmission networks
| Network | Where | Line length | Asset base |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransgridPrivately owned | NSW and ACT | 13,078 km | $10.4 billion |
| PowerlinkGovernment owned | Queensland | 14,551 km | $7.9 billion |
| AusNetPrivately owned | Victoria | 6,551 km | $3.9 billion |
| ElectraNetPrivately owned | South Australia | 6,239 km | $4.0 billion |
| TasNetworksGovernment owned | Tasmania | 3,337 km | $1.7 billion |
| MurraylinkPrivately owned | Victoria to SA link | 176 km | $132 million |
| DirectlinkPrivately owned | NSW to Queensland link | 63 km | $163 million |
Murraylink and Directlink are interconnectors, links that let power flow between states. Other interconnectors, such as the Queensland to NSW link and Basslink between Tasmania and Victoria, connect the regions of the national market so cheaper power in one state can help meet demand in another. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not connected.
What transmission costs you
According to the AER, network charges made up as much as 46% of a residential bill in 2024. Within that, distribution accounted for 63% to 92% of network costs and transmission for up to 27%. The rest went on metering and state schemes. Your retailer pays both network businesses and includes the cost in your usage and supply charges.
New lines for new generation
As coal plants close, new transmission is needed to connect wind and solar farms in renewable energy zones. The Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated System Plan sets out which projects are needed, and the cost of approved projects flows into network charges over time.
Common questions
Transmission carries power at very high voltage over long distances, from generators to major substations. Distribution takes it from those substations through local poles and wires to homes and businesses at lower voltage. Households connect to distribution networks.
Transgrid, which operates the NSW and ACT transmission network. It is privately owned under a long-term lease from the NSW Government.
For an emergency, call 000. For anything else, your local distribution network is the best first call: it will pass the report on if the asset belongs to the transmission company.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.