Energy Networks Association Limited (ABN 75 106 735 406)
Level 3,40 Blackall Street BARTON ACT 2600
T
+61 2 6272 1555 . F +61 2 6272 1566 . E info@ena.asn.au . W www.ena.asn.au
Media Release—for immediate distribution
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Networks welcome Coalition’s study on burying power lines—but
study must dig deep for answers
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) welcomes the Coalition’s announcement of a climate change
strategy based on direct action to reduce emissions and improve our environment. In particular, ENA
welcomes the Coalition’s commitment to allocate $2 million for a major study into the use and
application of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission within Australia.
ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks which provide the vital link between gas
and electricity producers and consumers. ENA represents gas distribution and electricity network
businesses on economic, technical and safety regulation and national energy policy issues.
Mr Blyth, Chief Executive of ENA, said: ‘ENA recognises that there are a number of potential benefits for
the use of underground HVDC, particularly in relation to transmission over very long distances
(renewable energy) where there is potential for increases in energy efficiency through reduced line
losses’.
ENA believes that the Coalition’s study would benefit greatly by being expanded to investigate the costs
and benefits of undergrounding distribution lines, which are in abundance in the majority of towns and
cities throughout Australia. The last national investigation into the costs and benefits of undergrounding
both transmission and distribution cables occurred over a decade ago (1998 Australian Government
Report: Putting cables underground).
‘Several past reports have cited benefits for undergrounding distribution lines, such as reduced motor
vehicle collisions with poles, reduced maintenance costs and in some instances improved reliability. In
fact, energy network businesses throughout Australia have been proactive, along with local councils and
developers, in the undergrounding of electricity assets in new developments for over three decades, and
in targeted undergrounding of existing assets’, said Mr Blyth.
Energy networks businesses across Australia currently operate approximately 48 000 kilometres of
transmissions lines and 800 000 kilometres of distribution lines. Mr Blyth said: ‘There are significant cost
and practicality implications that need to be considered when converting any overhead line to an
underground line’.
‘ENA believes a new cost-benefit analysis of the benefits of a well-targeted program of putting cables
underground would be timely and beneficial, especially considering emerging issues such as the rollout
of the National Broadband Network and the ongoing development of smart networks. Given the
significant costs of undergrounding at high voltages, any program needs to be carefully targeted to
identify where the benefits would be sufficiently high to justify the costs’ said Mr Blyth.
Ends.
Contact:
Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive
phone: 02 6272 1555
Energy Networks Association Limited (ABN 75 106 735 406)
Level 3,40 Blackall Street BARTON ACT 2600
T
+61 2 6272 1555 . F +61 2 6272 1566 . E info@ena.asn.au . W www.ena.asn.au
ENA is the peak national body for Australia’s energy networks; and represents gas distribution and electricity
network businesses on economic, technical, environment and safety regulation as well as national energy policy
issues.
NEWS 
