EnergyConnect is a plan for a 330-volt transmission line running nearly 900 kilometres from Wagga to Robertstown in South Australia.

The proposed route will go via Dinawan, Balranald and Buronga - with the link going between Darlington Point and Coleambally.

According to an environmental impact statement for EnergyConnect's section near the SA border, the project would use a mixture of thin towers with guy wires and ground anchors to provide stability and free-standing towers with a wider base and no other supports.

The guy wire towers would have a typical height between 50 and 70 metres and free-standing towers would have a typical height between 40 and 60 metres.

The towers would need an easement up to 80 metres wide for ongoing access and maintenance of the power lines.

The estimated cost for the NSW section of the project is $1.9 billion and construction is expected to start in late 2021 and finish in 2023.

EnergyConnect has been proposed by TransGrid, the organisation that operates and manages the high voltage electricity transmission network in NSW and the ACT.

TransGrid will have the same funding structure but will also receive support from the SA and Victorian governments for some sections of the interstate transmission line.

While EnergyConnect will start at Wagga Wagga, another high voltage transmission line is being built by TransGrid as part of the Snowy 2.0 project.

HumeLink is a plan to build three transmission lines between Maragle, Bannaby, and Wagga that will carry 500 kilovolts.

The estimated cost of the project and associated upgrades was $2.1 billion and construction is expected to start in late 2022 and finish in the 2025-26 financial year.

Customers want cheaper electricity bills and a safe and reliable energy network.

EnergyConnect will enable greater sharing of electricity, allow the integration of new lower cost renewable generation and provide a more secure system.

EnergyConnect, a 900 kilometre interconnector between Wagga Wagga and Robertstown in SA, will allow electricity to be shared between NSW and South Australia and Victoria.

By enabling increased competition in the wholesale energy market, these projects will help drive down the cost of wholesale electricity, resulting in lower bills for customers across the National Electricity Market (NEM), including the Riverina region.

For EnergyConnect, independent modelling by FTI London, suggests there are considerable benefits to customers ($180 million a year for NSW customers alone) in proceeding with the project.

We will continue to consult with communities for the duration of both projects, which are subject to the approval of the Australian Energy Regulator.

EnergyConnect is a priority project for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Federal and NSW Governments.

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