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.
To meet the security of supply criteria for the Central Toowoomba area Ergon Energy needs an additional minimum of 15MVA firm capacity at 11kV to be provided to this area. This size has been matched to expected load requirements within Ergon Energy’s typical 15 year planning horizon.
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. A decision about the selected option is required by May 2013 if any option involving significant construction is to be completed by December 2014.
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.
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
This is now a Consultation and Draft Recommendation where Ergon Energy provides both economic and technical information about possible solutions, and our recommended solution, being Option 1, to establish a new 110/11kV zone substation by December 2014.
Submissions in writing (electronic preferably) are due by 2 May 2013 and should be lodged to:
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited
P O Box 15107
City East QLD 4002
Attention: Network Strategy & Planning
Email: Regulatory.Tests@ergon.com.au
A decision about the selected option is required by May 3013 if any option involving significant construction is to be in place by December 2014.
Updated information will be provided on our web site:
For further information, please contact: Email: Regulatory.Tests@ergon.com.au
| Ergon - Central Toowoomba - Consult and Draft Recommendation 04 Apr 2013 | filesize: 539 kb (.pdf) |