Transgrid has recently published a Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) for managing risk on Line 963 (Tomago-Taree). Publication of this PACR represents the final 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 (Structure 185 onwards) to Taree, while Ausgrid owns the line to the south (including the river crossing) to Tomago.
The Transgrid section of the line has a route length of approximately 109 km and consists of 334 structures; 288 of those structures each contain multiple wood poles. This RIT-T will address condition issues affecting the structures, including non-pole related issues such as insulators, fittings 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 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 PACR – Option 2 (replace 24 wood pole structures, the conductor between Structure 442 to 463 and 28km of earthwire plus additional defects on the line) – is the preferred option to meet the identified need at this stage of the RIT-T.
No submissions were received in response to the PSCR during the consultation period which closed in May 2024 and no additional credible options have been identified.
Option 2 remains the preferred option at this stage of the RIT-T process. The estimated capital expenditure associated with this option is $12.2 million +/- 25 per cent.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the Project Assessment Conclusions Report is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PACR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@transgrid.com.au.