Additionally, the installed equipment can improve maintenance operations. The condition of power lines can be monitored in order to predict the breakdown of grid infrastructure and thus prioritize maintenance.

"There are many potential benefits," said Peter Firth, manager strategy and business planning at Victorian energy transmission and distribution utility, SP AusNet.

"If we have IP connectivity to pieces of equipment in the field we can see how they perform," he said. "It is all about having more information. If we know how the network is performing we can improve the operation of it."

SP AusNet has just commenced a six month BPL trial in the Victorian Alpine town of Mt Beauty. Firth said it was early days yet, but said the purpose of the trial was to see if this technology delivered on its promise.

Light me up