Powerlink has published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) to address the risk of voltage transformer premature failures in northern, central and southern Queensland.
Capacitive voltage transformers (CVTs) are installed at substations to measure and monitor the voltage at various locations on the transmission network. They are a crucial component of the transmission network that perform functions including revenue metering, power system monitoring and protection. These functions are critical in helping Powerlink meet its regulatory and operational compliance obligations.
Powerlink has identified premature failures of both 275 kilovolt (kV) and 132/110kV CVTs from a particular manufacturer (CVT subset). Powerlink currently has 2,011 CVTs in this subset, with the majority having been in service for less than 20 years. To date, 144 of these units have failed prematurely.
Powerlink proposes a to replace 57 CVTs within the identified subset that are used for metering by June 2029, with indicative capital costs of $7.5 million in 2025/26 prices.
In accordance with the requirements of the NER, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR can be obtained from the Powerlink website or by emailing [email protected].
Submissions on the PSCR are due by 26 August 2026. Details on how to make a submission are in the summary and full PSCR documents.
Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:
Grant Haydon
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA QLD 4014
Telephone: (07) 3860 2111