Transgrid has published the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for Managing risk on Line 963 (Tomago – Taree). Publication of this PSCR represents the first step in the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process.
Line 963 is a 132 kV transmission line between Tomago and Taree that was commissioned in 1992. Transgrid owns the line north of the Karuah River to Taree, while Ausgrid owns the line to the south (including the river crossing) to Tomago.
The line comprises 334 structures with each structure containing multiple wood poles; typically two or three wood poles per structure. This RIT-T will address condition issues affecting the structures, including non-pole relates issues such as insulators, fittings, earthwire and signage.
Transgrid manages and mitigates bushfire and safety risks to ensure they are below tolerance levels or ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (‘ALARP’), in accordance with Transgrid’s obligations under the New South Wales Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 and Transgrid’s Electricity Network Safety Management System (ENSMS). The proposed investment will enable Transgrid to continue to manage and operate this part of the network to a safety and risk mitigation level of ALARP.
In the PSCR Transgrid presented two credible network option that would meet the identified need from a technical, commercial, and project delivery perspective. The optimal commercially and technically feasible option presented in this PSCR – Option 2 (replace 16 wood pole structures, the conductor between Structure 442 to 463 and 28km of earthwire) – is the preferred option to meet the identified need at this stage of the RIT-T.
Transgrid welcomes written submissions on materials contained in this PSCR. Submissions are due on 14 May 2024.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the Project Specification Consultation Report is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@transgrid.com.au.