NEM Interconnector Flows

What Are NEM Interconnectors?

Interconnectors are high-voltage transmission lines that link the five regions of Australia's National Electricity Market. They allow power to flow between states, enabling regions with surplus generation to export electricity to regions facing supply shortfalls or higher prices. This cross-border flow is fundamental to how the NEM manages supply, demand, and pricing across the eastern seaboard.

The NEM has five major interconnectors: QNI (Queensland–New South Wales), VIC-NSW (Victoria–New South Wales), Heywood (Victoria–South Australia), Murraylink (Victoria–South Australia, DC), and Basslink (Tasmania–Victoria, HVDC undersea cable). Each has defined transfer limits in both directions, and flows are determined by AEMO's dispatch engine to minimise total system cost while respecting physical constraints.

Interconnector constraints occur when the physical or security limits of a link are reached, preventing further power transfer. These constraints can cause significant price separation between regions — when SA is constrained from importing cheap Victorian power, for example, SA prices can spike while Victorian prices remain low. Understanding interconnector flow patterns is critical for trading strategy, hedging, and risk management.

This page shows real-time flows, utilisation, and binding constraints for all five interconnectors, plus 24-hour flow history and regional spot prices for context. See how flows relate to wholesale costs on our live electricity prices page, or explore FCAS prices to see how constraints affect ancillary service markets.