About the program

Strategic planning is critical to ensuring the ongoing reliability and security of the power system, at the least cost and risk to consumers.

In our role as the transmission network planner for Victoria, AEMO recently completed a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to assess the technical and economic viability of increasing transmission network capacity to address current limitations in the Western Victoria transmission network, in accordance with the National Electricity Rules (NER).

The RIT-T process is a regulatory mechanism defined in the NER that applies an economic cost-benefit test on new transmission electricity infrastructure proposed for the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The purpose of a RIT-T is to identify the credible option for meeting an identified need that maximises net economic benefit for all those who produce, consume and transport electricity in the market. 

The RIT-T process requires transmission network planners considering significant investment in new transmission infrastructure to publish three reports:

1. The first report, the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR), seeks feedback and advice on the identified need for new transmission infrastructure.
2. The second report, the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR), identifies and seeks feedback on the preferred infrastructure investment option.
3. The third report, the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR), presents the transmission planner’s recommended solution to deliver the highest net economic benefit and intended course of action.

Through this RIT-T process, AEMO, in consultation with industry, government, consumers, and interested stakeholders, considered a range of options, including:

• minor network augmentations (like installing wind monitoring or undertaking minor transmission line upgrades)
• major network augmentations (such as new or upgraded transmission lines, and/or the installation of equipment), and;
• non-network options (such as battery storage and/or energy demand management), to increase transmission capacity in the Western Victoria region.

The findings of this assessment and consultation are available in the following reports:

• The PSCR (1.36MB, pdf) published in April 2017 
• The PADR (2.51MB, pdf) published in December 2018
• The PACR (1.86MB, pdf) published in July 2019

AEMO is committed to working with industry, government, investors and key stakeholders to secure and shape Australia’s energy future in the long-term interests of consumers. We value your feedback on this program and are committed to ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders. We will continue to provide updates as we move through this program. 

For more information, contact 1800 845 044 or email WestVicRITT@aemo.com.au.

Western Victoria Transmission Network Project – Preliminary working timeline (as at July 2019)