Transgrid has published the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for Managing risk on Line 966 (Armidale – Koolkhan). Publication of this PSCR represents the first step in the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process.
Line 966 is a single-circuit 132 kV line with a route length of 176.5 km that was commissioned in 1961. Line 966 is comprised of 600 structures, 482 of which are wood pole structures.
The line is a key link in the Northern NSW transmission network and its route traverses through grazing land outside Armidale before crossing the Great Dividing Range and passing through the Nymboi-Binderay National Park and finally again through more grazing land south of Grafton. The sections on the outskirts of both Armidale and Grafton are considered to be of high consequence if affected by a bushfire.
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 three credible network options 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 1 (replace only wood pole structures that are known to be degraded or bushfire impacted) – 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 13 September 2023.
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.