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) is responsible (under its Distribution Authority) for electricity supply to the Central Toowoomba area in southern Queensland. We have identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the central Toowoomba area. The loads on Ergon Energy’s aged and poor condition Central Toowoomba zone substation has progressively increased such that augmentation is required if reliable supply is to be maintained.
In order to ensure that supply to customers in the central Toowoomba area complies with Ergon Energy’s security of supply criteria, corrective action will be required to be completed prior to the summer of 2014/15.
Ergon Energy published a Request for Information relating to this emerging network constraint on 20 December 2012. No submissions were received by the closing date of 14 February 2013.
Ergon Energy published a Consultation and Draft Recommendation on 4 April 2013 relating to this emerging network constraint. No submissions were received by the closing date of 2 May 2013.
Two feasible solutions to the emerging network constraint have been identified:
Option 1 Rebuild the Central Toowoomba sub at 110/11kV
Option 2 Rebuild the Central Toowoomba sub at 33/11kV
Ergon Energy’s recommended action is Option 1. The estimated cost of this option is $41,000,000, and it is planned to be completed by December 2014.
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-and-projects/regulatory-test-consultations
For further information, please email: regulatory.tests@ergon.com.au
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited Consultation Final Report - Supply to Central Toowomba Area Emerging Distribution Network Constraint