REFCL operations consultation paper

Overview

Rapid earth fault current limiters (REFCLs) quickly detect faults on 22 kilovolt powerlines and reduce the energy flowing through the affected line.

The installation of REFCLs formed part of the Victorian Government’s response to one recommendation from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) into the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. This requirement was then made into law and those REFCLs have now been installed in Victoria.

The installed REFCLs protect high bushfire risk areas. These are areas where there is a higher risk of loss of life and/or property if a bushfire starts. This does not mean that all hazardous bushfire areas in Victoria are now protected by REFCLs. REFCLs also protect against electrocution by, for example, activating when an operator of heavy machinery accidentally hits an overhead line while working.

Consultation paper

The consultation paper outlines our considerations in developing draft guidelines to ensure the consistent operation of REFCLs all year.

Download the Consultation Paper

We welcome your feedback on the consultation paper. Please email submissions to consultation@energysafe.vic.gov.au

Submissions are due by Monday 8 July 2024 at 12 pm (noon).

Survey

An online survey has been developed, which includes a plain English summary of the consultation paper.

Complete the survey

Information sessions

Online information sessions were held during May. Please watch the recording below.

Questions

Questions must be asked in writing by emailing consultation@energysafe.vic.gov.au. Questions and answers will be published on this page for transparency and equity.

Public submissions from major electricity companies

The companies that operate REFCLs in Victoria are AusNet, Powercor, Jemena and United Energy. They were provided an early copy of the consultation paper and given the opportunity to write a public submission to be published on this web page.