Networks & pipelines

Energy is usually generated or processed close to fuel sources, a long distance from cities and towns. Electricity networks and gas pipelines are therefore required to transport the energy to customers.

There are businesses (electricity network and gas pipeline service providers) that specialise in providing energy infrastructure and transportation services. The AER is responsible for ensuring the network and pipeline service providers operate electricity networks and gas pipelines reliably and cost effectively so that households and businesses can access the energy they need.

Electricity networks

Transmission networks transport electricity from generators to distribution networks in metropolitan and regional areas. They operate at high voltages for efficient transport over long distances.

Distribution networks transport electricity from points along the transmission lines to customers. Electricity must be stepped down to lower voltages in a distribution network for safe use by customers. A distribution network consists of the poles, underground channels and wires that carry electricity, as well as substations, transformers, switching equipment, and monitoring and signalling equipment.

State based transmission networks, with cross-border interconnectors, provide a fully interconnected 'national electricity grid' from Queensland through to New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The grid supplies electricity to over nine million residential and business customers. The transmission networks in Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not interconnect with the national electricity grid or each other.

Gas pipelines

Transmission pipelines transport natural gas from processing or storage facilities over long distances to domestic markets. The pipelines typically have wide diameters and operate under high pressure to optimiseshipping capacity. They are placed mainly underground, which helps to minimise damage that could pose safety issues and interrupt gas supplies.

A network of distribution pipelines delivers gas from points along transmission pipeline to industrial customers, and from gate stations to customers in cities and towns. A distribution network typically consists of high, medium and low pressure pipelines. The high and medium pressure mains provide a ‘backbone’ that services areas of high demand and transports gas between population concentrations within a distribution area. The low pressure pipes lead off the high pressure mains to end customers.

There is an interconnected pipeline network covering Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and ACT. Transmission pipelines in Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not interconnected with other jurisdictions.