Where the technical limits of a distribution system will be exceeded and the rectification options are likely to exceed $10M, Ergon Energy is required under the National Electricity Rules s5.6.2(f) to consult with affected Registered Participants, AEMO and Interested Parties within the time required for corrective action and meet certain requirements, including undertaking analysis that satisfies the AER’s Regulatory Test, in selection of an appropriate solution.
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (Ergon Energy) identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the Emerald area in 2013. In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules, a Regulatory Test of suitable options was undertaken, which resulted in the publication of a Final Report on 20 May 2014.
The Final Report documented the evaluation of options and declared Ergon Energy’s intent to proceed with its internal option to construct a new dual circuit 66 kV line from Blackwater Substation to Emerald Substation.
Although the ENCAP Review, which resulted in new security standards did not trigger a change to the recommended option, further changes to the security standards that were recommended by the Inter-Departmental Committee and Independent Review Panel, and accepted by the Government, necessitated that Ergon Energy adopt a probabilistic approach to planning.
These changes, together with the firming of a large customer connection proposal in the area indicate that it would not be prudent and efficient for Ergon Energy to proceed with the works recommended in the Final Report.
| Emerald - Withdrawal of Final Recommendations 08 July 2014 | filesize: 165 KB (.pdf) |
| Emerald Area Final Recommendation 20 May 2014 | filesize: 1.62 MB (.pdf) |
| Emerald Area Consultation Draft Recommendation 14 January 2014 | filesize: 1.62 MB (.pdf) |
| Request for Information - Emerging Distribution Network in the Emerald Area 08 Oct 2013 | filesize: 248 KB (.pdf) |
In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules (NER), this is now a Final Recommendation where Ergon Energy provides both economic and technical information about possible solutions, and our recommended solution, being Ergon Energy’s internally identified option, which is to build a dual circuit 66kV feeder.
Information relating to the consultation about this project is provided on our web site:
http://www.ergon.com.au/community--and--our-network/network-management/regulatory-test-consultations
For further information, please contact: Email: Regulatory.Tests@ergon.com.au