Ageing power towers along north-west transmission lines are being replaced while the line stays live, in a $6.2 million upgrade recovered through TasNetworks’ regulated network revenue.
TasNetworks is replacing towers along the 71-kilometre line from Burnie to Smithton via Port Latta, a corridor first built in 1949.
Many of its 287 structures have worn down after decades exposed to coastal salt and wind.
The line supplies communities and major industry across the north-west and connects renewable generators to the rest of the state’s grid.
Because it cannot be switched off without cutting supply, crews are replacing towers while one circuit stays live.
“You’re working in close proximity to live circuits that are maintaining supply,” head of asset management Josh Cunningham said.
“There is very little tolerance for error.”
Head of operations delivery Brad Walker said the project relied on teams from across the organisation.
“Field crews, control rooms, switching personnel, engineers and planners are all playing a role in ensuring the system remains stable,” Walker said.
17 towers were replaced between March and May 2026, with the rest to be swapped out over coming years.
The new structures are designed to last more than 70 years, rather than being replaced like-for-like.
Interim chief executive Renee Anderson said the work was about keeping the network reliable.
“The strength and condition of these assets is fundamental to maintaining reliable supply to critical industry, generators and regional communities,” Anderson said.
The $6.2 million upgrade was approved under TasNetworks’ 2024-29 revenue reset, the regulated process that sets its funding for five years.
TasNetworks is now consulting on its next reset, covering 2029 to 2034.
