This Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) has been prepared by ElectraNet and SA Power Networks as part of the process prescribed under the National Electricity Rules (NER) for the approval of proposed shared network augmentations. It represents the second stage of the consultation process in relation to the application of the Regulatory Investment Test – Transmission (RIT-T).
A reliability corrective action has been proposed to ensure uninterrupted supply in the event of an unplanned outage of the existing 132/33 kV transformer at Baroota. This reliability corrective action was planned to meet the revised reliability standard set out in the South Australian Electricity Transmission Code (ETC) applying to the Baroota connection point, from 1 December 2017.
ElectraNet and SA Power Networks have identified three credible options in the PADR – a brownfield option to upgrade the existing Baroota substation by adding a second 10 MVA 132/33 kV transformer, a greenfield option to rebuild Baroota substation at a new site near the current substation along the Bungama – Baroota 132 kV line with two 10 MVA 132/33 kV transformers and an non-network option utilising diesel generators combined with battery storage connecting to the 33 kV network at Baroota substation to provide equivalent transformer N-1 reliability.
ElectraNet has undertaken a comprehensive review and option analysis to determine the overall solution that maximises net economic benefits to consumers. ElectraNet’s revised economic analysis has shown a lower market benefit than that which was previously indicated and none of the options considered to meet the category 2 reliability standard were found to produce a positive net market benefit. Given this outcome, ElectraNet considers it would not be in the interests of consumers to proceed with the upgrade.
ElectraNet has therefore written to the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) proposing that the Commission amend the ETC to remove the reclassification of the Baroota Connection Point to category 2 from 1 December 2017. ElectraNet and SA Power Networks intend to discontinue the RIT-T process that is the subject of this PADR subject to ESCOSA accepting and making the proposed change to the ETC.
ElectraNet and SA Power Networks welcome submissions from registered electricity market participants and interested parties on the PADR, which is available for download from www.electranet.com.au
Submissions close on 31 July 2015 and can be emailed to Hugo Klingenberg, Senior Manager Network Development, at consultation@electranet.com.au
Please address correspondence to:
Hugo Klingenberg
Senior Manager Network Development
ElectraNet
PO Box 7096
Hutt Street Post Office
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Tel: (08) 8404 7991