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Regional Connect is our targeted program to shorten the duration of unplanned outages for homes and businesses supplied by long feeder lines. We tailor our approach for each feeder line and target area based on environment, demand and local context, delivering practical improvements now while planning for what’s needed next. 

Regional Connect at a glance 

  • Focus: Reduce the duration of unplanned outages on rural long feeder lines
  • Where: A rolling set of target lines and locations across the South West Interconnected Network (SWIN)
  • How: Tailored packages of works and solutions that improve fault detection, isolation and restoration times
  • Funding: $88 million approved by the Economic Regulation Authority in AA5 for rural long-feeder reliability
  • Timing: Works on Stage 2 target areas will be completed in FY2025-26, with works on Stage 3 target areas to be delivered in FY2025-26 and FY2026-27 Learn more: Project updates, maps and FAQs sit on our engagement hub at Let’s Talk Power .

Why this matters 

Long rural feeders cross bush and farmland, so when a fault occurs it can take longer to locate and restore. While not every outage can be prevented, we can reduce how long they last. Regional Connect focuses on steps that speed up fault identification and restoration, increase resilience to severe weather events, and support the transition to a cleaner energy future. 

Where and why we’re focusing effort 

Feeder lines and target areas are selected using operational data and field insight, considering factors such as: 

  • outage history on long rural feeders
  • environmental exposure and network configuration
  • demand patterns and feasibility to deliver near-term improvements 

Local project information, timelines and maps are kept current on Let’s Talk Power so people can follow what’s happening in their area.  

What we’re doing now 

The works depend on local needs and may include: 

  • Packages of initial improvements: fault-finding enhancements, additional switching points that break long rural lines into smaller sections so we can isolate a fault and restore power to the rest faster, automated switching, protection upgrades, network reconfiguration and targeted asset replacements that have outsized impact

  • Selective medium-term solutions where appropriate: back-up generation, energy storage to support restoration, and third-party reliability services 

We’re also testing combinations of solutions, such as remotely controlled devices and network reconfiguration, to understand what delivers the best results in each context. 

Early results and learnings 

We’re tracking outcomes in each target area so we can learn and adjust. 

Results snapshot – Lancelin 

In Lancelin, supplied by long rural feeder RGN 604, we’ve delivered a targeted package of works including new protection devices and automated switches, sectionalising, and a high-voltage injection unit to provide back-up supply during extended outages. These steps are designed to speed isolation and restoration. Learn more on the Lancelin project page on Let’s Talk Power.

What’s next 

  • Continue staged delivery across current feeder lines and target areas 
  • Monitor outcomes and publish approved results when available 
  • Apply learnings to future locations and prepare longer-term options where needed 

Stay informed 

For location-specific updates, FAQs, and to stay in the loop, visit the Regional Connect engagement hub.