Communities from Tyrendarra to Portland have been calling for three phase power to be delivered to the region for more than six years.

The community is calling for $10 million of the state government's $540 million Renewable Energy Zone fund towards the upgrade.

Food and Fibre Great South Coast chair Georgina Gubbins wrote to Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio on March 31 asking for the funding.

"Without the upgrade we can't run air conditioning in the local primary school, or toasters as the same time as industrial machinery - let alone invest in renewables," she said.

"We are an innovative and forward-thinking region that cares about sustainability, job creation and best practice.

"We are the backbone of Victoria through our whole food and fibre process, and our growth will create prosperity for our region as a whole.

"We ask the minister to consider this request seriously and meet with these representatives if she requires more information about the community value and urgent need for this investment."

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The south-west is Victoria's largest food and fibre region, producing $2.3 billion in agricultural output annually.

The region has renewable energy projects worth around $2 billion.

The upgrade would improve supply for 1130 customers and increase the network's capacity to support growth.

Ms Gubbins thanked the state government for the opportunity to make a submission to the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) development plan.

"The upgrade of less than 100 kilometres of line from single phase feeders to three phase supply will ensure the South West REZ is able to to support the efficient development and connection of renewable energy projects," Ms Gubbins said.

"The government is already aware of the importance and benefits of the project.

"Infrastructure Victoria specifically included Powercor's regional upgrade proposal in the draft 30 year strategy as driving regional competitive advantage.

"There has been no attempt to capture the flow on benefits beyond immediate productivity, efficiency and market access

"We stand ready for ongoing discussions about the three phase power upgrade in Tyrendarra, Strathdownie, Cape Bridgewater and Gorae West being delivered as part of the stage one immediate priority projects to support REZs."

Minister D'Ambrosio has been contacted for comment.

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