New section of Broken Hill transmission line to go live

The switchover follows the erection of eight permanent steel structures and stringing of new high-voltage conductors on a 3.5km section of the 220 kV transmission line damaged by the extreme weather event in October 2024.

The region’s power supply will be temporarily transferred to two large-scale back-up generators from 6pm Friday (May 9) to 6am Saturday (May 10) and from 6pm Saturday (May 10) to 6am Sunday (May 11) while the new permanent supply is connected to the existing transmission line south of Broken Hill.

Head of Transgrid’s Far West Operations Response Sam Pickering said: “This complex operation has been carefully planned to avoid interruption wherever possible for our Far West communities.

“Transgrid has carried out major refurbishment works and robust testing to ensure both large-scale back-up generators are available for the switchover, which provide more than enough energy to power Broken Hill and surrounding towns.

“As a precaution, we have scheduled these works overnight on a weekend when energy usage is lower to minimise any potential complications.

“Transgrid will have specialist crews monitoring the large-scale back-up generators to ensure their optimal performance during the switchover. Additional back-up generators brought in to Broken Hill last year are also available if required.

“This will allow more than 30 personnel to connect both ends of the new 3.5km section to the existing transmission line and restore the primary power supply to the region following the damage caused by the extreme weather event last year.

“The final part of the restoration project following this critical connection, will be the dismantling of the seven temporary structures erected last year and demobilising the construction site which is expected to occur mid-year.

“Transgrid is continuing our focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of the 260km transmission line from Buronga to Broken Hill while working with key stakeholders to develop longer-term solutions to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to Far West NSW.

“We would again like to thank the local communities for their patience and understanding as we complete these essential works.”

Media enquiries: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136