Powerlink has published a Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) to address the risk of premature current transformer failures in northern, central and southern Queensland.
Current transformers are installed at substations to measure and monitor the current flowing through transmission lines. They are a crucial component of the protection system that ensures electrical faults are cleared within the designated times as specified in the National Electricity Rules (NER).
Powerlink’s network is experiencing some premature failures of a 275kV current transformer particular make and model (current transformer subset). These current transformers perform functions such as revenue metering, power system monitoring, telemetry, and protection system performance which are key to managing the network. Failures can also result in network and load interruptions as well as loss of containment of oil and sand.
Powerlink proposes a program of state-wide replacement of the subset of current transformers to address the network need. The PADR indicates that design and construction works will commence in 2026, and commissioning will be completed by 2029.
Submissions on the PADR are due by 8 May 2026, and should be emailed to [email protected]. More details on how to make a submission are in the PADR document.
In the context of engagement activities with customers and the general community, Powerlink has assessed this RIT-T project as ‘minor’ on the RIT-T stakeholder engagement matrix.
A copy of the PADR and Project Specification Consultation Report are available below.