Meanwhile, the region will get hundreds of thousands of dollars in community grants.
The proposed $49.1 million would include the following projects and programs:
- Benalla to Euroa express feeder: A new Benalla to Euroa express feeder with a remote REFCL changeover station.
- Murrindindi SWER sectionalisation: Switches would split existing feeders into additional sections which will enable outages to be isolated.
- Mansfield express sections: Six kilometres of overhead lines and four kilometres of undergrounding between Howqua Inlet and Kevington.
AusNet’s proposal is being reviewed by the Australian Energy Regulator, who will publish its draft decision in September.
AusNet will then have an opportunity to submit a revised, final proposal before the AER makes its final decision and the new regulatory arrangements take effect on July 1, 2026.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said, although the funding was positive, the community had suffered for a long time.
“Unfortunately, too many households and businesses in our region have suffered due to regular and prolonged power outages,” she said.
“People have been left unable to contact loved ones, operate electric medical equipment, or keep their homes at a safe temperature during extreme weather.
“Meanwhile, businesses are being forced to close, throw out stock, and invest in costly generators just to keep the lights on.”
Ms Cleeland said the funding wasn’t the solution and that more needed to be done.
“While these community grants certainly help, they don’t address the core problem. The main focus must remain on making our entire power supply more dependable and resilient.”
AusNet distribution executive general manager Andrew Linnie said the grants support projects which would help build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during severe weather events.
“We know how important energy is to our communities and customers’ lives. When severe weather or other emergencies happen, this becomes even more important,” Mr Linnie said.
“Through these grants, we’re pleased to contribute further to help build community energy resilience and assist people to stay connected and safe during prolonged outages and emergencies.”
The community fund includes six projects for the region totalling $320,976.
- Euroa BP: Purchase and install a large diesel-powered generator, associated infrastructure and facilities for large-scale charging of mobile devices.
- Avenal switch forum: Full day community initiative to educate residents and businesses about renewable energy and energy resilience.
- Mansfield: Purchase a 63KVA portable diesel generator with optional upgrade to 550 litre tank with rain deflector, a custom-built trailer, a fit-for-purpose extension lead, and the installation of an 80amp inlet at the Mansfield Youth Centre.
- Strathbogie Hall generator: Funding is being provided for a generator to independently power the hall.
- Euroa SES: A generator to create a community-based resilience hub and provide essential services during outages and extreme weather events.
- Strathbogie emergency generator: Purchase a 30 kVA diesel generator mounted on a dual axle trailer to power up individual community facilities such as local halls and other places of refuge.
Strathbogie Shire Council applied for the Strathbogie emergency generator and the Euroa BP grant, and community and planning director Rachael Framption said she was happy with the result.
“Many of our residents rely solely on electricity for basic household needs like water supply and cooking,” she said.
“This funding will allow us to provide a lifeline during major emergencies — a place where people can access warmth, power, food and vital services when they need them most.”
Ms Cleeland said although the community had been calling for funding and the grants were a step forward, the Euroa community continued to suffer.
“Despite some upgrades already being completed, our towns continue to endure too many days without power,” she said.
“Reliable power shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a basic right.”
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