Consultation opens as regulator develops new land access rules for electricity transmission companies

Victoria’s energy regulator is inviting feedback as it develops an enforceable code of practice that will apply to electricity transmission companies when accessing private land.

The Essential Services Commission today launched a consultation paper which will help to shape a new Land Access Code of Practice, being developed in response to community concerns about the ways a company was accessing private land for a major transmission project. 

Commission CEO Dr John Hamill says clear rules and processes will ensure transmission companies are accountable for how they exercise their powers to access private land.

“Upgrades to Victoria’s transmission network will be needed to support the plan to decarbonise the energy sector, introduce more renewable energy to power the state’s grid, and meet renewable energy targets. It’s vital the upcoming code of practice balances the rights of landowners and transmission companies as critical partners in the delivery of essential electricity transmission,” Dr Hamill said.

“We are acting on community concerns by developing this set of rules, making it clear what the obligations of companies are and what landowners can expect from the process.

“We want to ensure that the companies building and maintaining transmission networks are doing so in a reasonable and transparent manner while engaging respectfully with private landowners.”

Dr Hamill said the commission had been proactively engaging with stakeholders and was keen to receive further input via the consultation paper.

“We know there is significant interest in developing this code of practice and we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who’s been approached or had experiences with land being accessed by an energy company,” he said.

“We are also open to receiving feedback in ways that are convenient for interested parties.”

Feedback on the consultation paper can be made via the Engage Victoria website up until 5pm on 3 March 2023.

The draft code of practice is expected to be released in May 2023 and more public consultation will be held at that time.

The upcoming code of practice follows on from the commission’s 2022 Electricity Transmission Company Land Access Statement of Expectations, which sets out principles that transmission companies should follow including timely engagement and clear information on when and why access is required.