- Published:
- Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11:35 am
AusNet Transmission Group (AusNet) is facing 22 charges over allegations it failed to manage known safety risks associated with low-hanging transmission lines across 18 locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Energy Safe Victoria has accused AusNet of failing to notify affected landholders about low-clearance transmission lines on their properties and how to operate safely around them, despite allegedly being aware of the spans for up to 18 months before taking action.
The alleged conduct is a breach of AusNet’s general duty under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 to minimise, as far as practicable, the safety risks created by its electricity network.
The charges relate to 21 spans that AusNet identified as potentially having serious clearance issues in early 2023. Of the 22 charges, 21 allege AusNet failed to notify affected landowners and occupiers about these spans, while one alleges it failed to maintain an adequate system for recording those notifications.
Energy Safe launched an investigation in March 2022 after community members reported concerns about low-hanging transmission lines on their properties.
Transmission lines are uninsulated and carry electricity at very high voltages. Electricity can arc to equipment that contacts, or comes too close to, a transmission line, potentially causing serious or fatal injuries.
The lines relevant to this prosecution are older assets designed and constructed under different standards than apply to new transmission lines today.
Legacy lines are not automatically required to be raised to current design standards, but electricity companies must identify and appropriately manage the safety risks associated with them.
Making affected landholders aware of low-clearance transmission lines is a simple but important safety measure, giving people the information they need to avoid potentially dangerous activities or take appropriate precautions when operating large machinery or undertaking other activities nearby.
At the time of the alleged offending, a breach of general duties charge carried a maximum penalty of $288,465 for a corporation under the Electricity Safety Act 1998.
The matter is listed for a first mention at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 19 November 2026.
Energy Safe. Always.
Media contact: April Dudgeon | 0498 188 117 | media@energysafe.vic.gov.au
Reviewed