VicGrid has announced details of its planned investigation into a new transmission line route. 

The authority is researching areas it could use to connect future offshore wind projects to the Latrobe Valley's power grid along a route beginning near Giffard and stretching towards Loy Yang Power Station.

The announcement has sparked a mix of anticipation and concern among approximately 300 landholders due to its potential impact on the region's landscape and agricultural operations.

VicGrid says the chosen study area has a lower proportion of agricultural and private land than other options, and that its choice was influenced by landholder feedback to minimise disruption. 

Still, many in the farming community had hoped for underground transmission lines to preserve the land's integrity.

VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker says it would be financially impractical to use underground lines, which could escalate costs from an estimated $700 million to $1.5 billion to up to $4.5 billion.

The plans share space with AusNet's project to build a similar transmission line, causing the company to pledge to reassess its project's viability in light of VicGrid's announcement.

Local MP, Danny O’Brien, has called for greater transparency and community consultation in the development process.

More details are accessible here.