General News
4 November, 2025
VicGrid takes on new transmission planning role
VicGrid will become a state business corporation and take on the responsibility for planning Victoria’s shared transmission network, a role previously carried out by the Australian Energy Market Operator Victoria Planning.
VicGrid is the Victorian Government agency responsible for planning and developing the new infrastructure that will transport energy generated by renewables to the electricity grid, and takes on the role as Notices of Access are delivered to landowners by Transmission Company Victoria, which is overseeing the delivery of VNI West, and will now transfer from AVP to VicGrid.
Since November 1, VicGrid has operated under a new set of obligations under Victorian Government legislation and reports to an independent board.
The change means VicGrid's responsibility for major projects, such as the Western Renewables Link and the Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West).
AusNet Services remains responsible for the design, approvals, construction, and operation of WRL and continues to manage the project on a day-to-day basis.
The responsibility for managing connections to the transmission network was transferred to VicGrid.
VicGrid’s board, appointed by the Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, is now chaired by Energy executive Steve Rieniets, who has over three decades of experience in the energy sector, including senior leadership roles with AGL Energy.
Sarah Clarke is an experienced sustainability leader who is the Group General Manager Sustainability with Mirvac, holds the deputy chair position.
The other members of the board are energy and finance executive David Stegehuis and former Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton.
A further three members of the board will be appointed.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said he looked forward to working with the board as VicGrid delivers its new approach to the planning, procurement, and delivery of major transmission projects in Victoria.
Mr Rieniets said he was excited to be joining as board chair as VicGrid entered this new phase and began delivering the recently released 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.
“Victoria’s energy system is going through a significant change, and I am excited to be able to play this role in helping VicGrid make sure the critical energy infrastructure the state needs is delivered in a timely way that respects local communities,” he said.
“The timely delivery of transmission infrastructure is crucial to make sure all Victorians have reliable and affordable power, but it’s also crucial that this work is well planned and well managed.
“We need to really listen to landholders, local communities, and key industries like agriculture, so we can make good decisions, minimise impacts and deliver meaningful benefits for regional and rural people.”
The VNI West is a 500 kV double-circuit, 70-metre-wide overhead transmission line between Dinawan in NSW and Bulgana in Victoria, and is planned to cut through prime agricultural land in Western Victoria.
"The access notices issued are to facilitate time-critical ecological studies," said VNI West Program Director Mick Douge.
"For a small number of properties where we haven't been able to reach an agreement, these Notices of Access confirm our legal ability to access for surveys. However, that doesn't close the door on voluntary discussions," he said.
"Compulsory access remains our last resort.
"The Notices of Access being issued now are not using newly legislated enforcement powers. At all times our focus is on reaching agreement on access arrangement with landholders, that best support each property, farming or business operation."
Sixth-generation landholder and sheep farmer Ben Duxson from Kanya doesn't envisage much change in how the transmission network is managed.
"Vic Grid is another government department, and we don't see much change in how this is managed, especially as farmers have received letters warning of compulsory access to their properties this week, under Section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000," he said.
"There are a lot of angry farmers out there, and we will not change our minds on this matter."
Mr Duxson said there has been no consultation by TCV other than being told what is going to happen.
"Being told is not true consultation. And it's not about compensation, we don't want it," he said.
Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking slammed the latest move by the transmission company in a statement released on October 30.
“Forcing access to farms at one of the busiest times of year, at the height of harvest, a time when biosecurity and protection of the crop is paramount, shows just how out of touch this process has become," he said.
“They don’t care, they won’t listen, and at this point, it seems they will move heaven and earth to drive a bulldozer through generational farming families in their way.
"Shame of them for swinging a wrecking ball at some of the best farming land in the country."
Mr Hosking reminded farmers of their rights when faced with compulsory access notices, saying transmission companies must abide by the Land Access Code of Practice.
“These companies must consult with landholders on site-specific biosecurity needs before they access land," he said.
Mr Hosking encouraged farmers to communicate their biosecurity requirements before any transmission company access.
“Biosecurity is paramount when it comes to farming, and these transmission companies must not come anywhere near the front gate if they haven’t consulted with landholders.”
“We’ll keep fighting to ensure farmers’ voices are heard and their rights upheld,” Mr Hosking said.