Transmission refers to the transport of energy (electricity and gas) from the production source (generators or gas fields) to large end users and distribution businesses. Energy is transported through transmission networks (wires for electricity and pipelines for gas) that stretch across Australia.
The electricity transmission network and the gas transmission pipeline network have interconnections through Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT. The electricity network will soon reach across Bass Strait into Tasmania. Separate transmission networks and pipelines exist in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
About electricity transmission
The national electricity system includes the high voltage power network, used for transmission of electricity from generators to the distribution network. Under the national electricity rules the transmission system consists of network assets transmitting electricity at 220kV and above, plus those assets operating between 66kV and 220kV if they operate in parallel to and provide support to the higher voltage transmission network, or are deemed by the AER to be part of the transmission network. Assets operating between 66kV and 220kV that do not operate in parallel to and provide support to the higher voltage transmission network may be deemed by the network operator to be part of the distribution system by agreement with the AER and the jurisdictional regulator.
About gas transmission
Gas transmission pipelines transport gas from processing plants to markets.