A new high-voltage transmission line has been completed along the Eyre Peninsula bringing more reliable power to homes and businesses across the region.

The 270km line runs from Cultana to Port Lincoln and is supported by 500 new transmission towers and upgrades to five electrical substations.

ElectraNet chief executive Simon Emms said after two years of construction and more than five years of planning, the new line was operational.

“Eyre Peninsula Link is a significant investment in the region, giving residential and business electricity users a more secure and reliable power supply,” he said.

“As well as improving supply reliability, the new line future-proofs the region’s high-voltage electricity supply to support growth and renewable energy development.”

Emms said the new link had been successfully delivered despite challenging weather conditions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It provided for an average of 200 jobs during the construction phase, peaking at about 300 in early 2022.

The old transmission line was more than 50 years old and needed substantial investment to replace worn-out components to ensure customer reliability.

The cost was largely offset by avoiding replacement works on the existing line and annual Port Lincoln generator network support payments.

ElectraNet said there would be minimal price impact for customers.

Words: Tim Dornin
Image: AAP/Darren England