AusNet Services is initiating this Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to evaluate options to provide ongoing voltage control services in North West Victoria.
Publication of this Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) represents the first step in the RIT-T process in accordance with clause 5.16 of the National Electricity Rules (NER) and section 4.2 of the RIT-T Application Guidelines.
The SVC at HOTS has been providing dynamic voltage and reactive power control services for an extended period (34 years) and is reaching the end of its serviceable-life. A failure of the SVC would mean that AusNet Services is unable to meet its obligation to provide voltage and reactive control capability services as outlined in the Network Agreement between AEMO and AusNet Services. Further, it would reduce the ability to maintain voltages in North West Victoria within the limits specified under clause S5.1a.4 of the NER (see extract in section 2.4.1) and clause 110.2.2(a) of the Victorian Electricity System Code. Consequently, a failed SVC would require emergency asset replacement to be undertaken.
AusNet Services classifies the identified need as ‘reliability corrective action’ to ensure continued compliance with NER clause S5.1a.4 and Victorian Electricity System Code 110.2.2(a).
AusNet Services has identified a number of investments that may deliver more economical and reliable solutions to address the identified need, compared with the base case where the existing assets are kept in service and emergency asset replacements are implemented when the SVC fails, and welcomes proposals from proponents of potential non-network solutions.
Submissions should be emailed to rittconsultations@ausnetservices.com.au on or before 3 September 2020. In the subject field, please reference ‘RIT-T PSCR Horsham Terminal Station Static Var Compensator.’
Assessments of the options and responses to this PSCR will be presented in the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) that is intended to be published before 24 December 2020.