Transgrid has published the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for Managing risk on Line 23 (Vales Point – Munmorah). Publication of this PSCR represents the first step in the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process.
Line 23 is a single-circuit 330 kV, steel tower transmission line with a route length of 7 km that was constructed in 1965. The line is a key link in the Central Coast transmission network and its route traverses rural areas near the Vales Point and Colongra power stations near Lake Macquarie.
Condition assessments have identified a number of condition issues on Line 23. These condition issues increase the likelihood of conductor drops and tower collapse and presents consequent safety and bushfire risk to our personnel and the public, as well as resulting in reactive maintenance costs to repair the failed elements. The bushfire risks are exacerbated for Line 23 as it traverse substantial sections of bushland, much of which surrounds residential areas.
As asset conditions deteriorate over time, the likelihood of failure and subsequent risks will increase should these issues not be addressed.
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 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 2 (replacement of all suspension structures and remediation of line components on tension structures) – is the preferred option to meet the identified need.
The estimated capital cost of this option is approximately $13.4 million +/- 25 per cent. Transgrid is the proponent of the proposed network project.
Transgrid welcomes written submissions on materials contained in this PSCR. Submissions are due on 15 June 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