Powerlink Queensland
| Company type | Government-owned corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electricity transmission |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Queensland, Australia |
| Products | High-voltage electricity transmission network services |
| Owner | Queensland Government |
Powerlink Queensland—previously known as the Queensland Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited—is a transmission system operator owned by the Queensland Government. It oversees the high-voltage electricity transmission network throughout Queensland, Australia.
History
Formed in 1995, Powerlink Queensland emerged from the corporatisation and restructuring of Queensland’s formerly vertically integrated electricity sector. The corporation operates under the provisions of the Government Owned Corporation Act 1993 and holds registration in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001.
Operations
As a transmission network service provider within the National Electricity Market (NEM), Powerlink Queensland facilitates the transfer of electricity between market participants without engaging in buying or selling activities. It functions as a regulated monopoly, with its revenue determined by the Australian Energy Regulator.
The transmission network extends from just north of Cairns down to the border with New South Wales, encompassing of transmission lines and 139 substations. Connections to New South Wales are maintained through the Queensland – New South Wales Interconnector (QNI) and a direct current link via the smaller Terranora interconnector. Powerlink is affiliated with Grid Australia, which represents owners of electricity transmission infrastructure across both the NEM and Western Australia. Additionally, the Queensland Government has designated Powerlink as the jurisdictional planning authority responsible for evaluating transmission capacity in relation to projected load increases.
Powerlink is distinguished among Australian transmission entities for performing live maintenance on high-voltage substations at voltages reaching up to 330 kV. Its dedicated laboratory provides specialized testing and diagnostic capabilities that enhance network dependability.