Basslink Pty Ltd in a statement released late last night said the cable had been taken offline for planned maintenance works on March 24.

But during these works, a contractor damaged a piece of equipment at a Victorian transition station.

“Given the damaged equipment is unique, it will require appropriate expertise and equipment from overseas for repair before the interconnector can recommence operations,” the company said.

“At this point in time, the fault only impacts the electricity interconnector.

“The Basslink telecommunications cable providing broadband services to internet service providers continues to operate.”

The state dam levels are above 39 per cent.