AusNet Services is initiating this Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to evaluate options for maintaining supply reliability in south-eastern metropolitan Melbourne. Stage 1 of the East Rowville Terminal Station redevelopment project was delivered in 2019 and this RIT-T is for the next phase of that work. Options investigated in this RIT-T are intended to mitigate the residual risks that were not addressed by the first stage.
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. AusNet Services is exploring opportunities to accelerate the RIT-T process as allowed by NER clause 5.16.4(z1).
As expected of assets that have been in service for a long time, the condition of the transformers and circuit breakers at East Rowville Terminal Station has deteriorated to a level where there is a material risk of asset failure, which could have an impact on electricity supply reliability, safety, environment, and potential costs of emergency replacements.
AusNet Services estimates that the present value of the baseline risk costs associated with maintaining the existing assets in service is $120 million – the biggest component of which comes from the supply interruption risks borne by electricity consumers.
AusNet Services has identified three credible network solutions that could meet the identified need and welcomes proposals from proponents of potential non-network solutions.
Submissions should be emailed to rittconsultations@ausnetservices.com.au on or before 24 March 2020. In the subject field, please reference ‘RIT-T PSCR East Rowville Terminal Station.’
Should AusNet Services consider that no additional credible options that could deliver a material market benefit were identified during the 12-week consultation period, AusNet Services intends to invoke the benefit of exemption from publication of a Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) as per NER clause 5.16.4(z1) and produce a Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) before 24 May 2020. Otherwise, in accordance with NER clause 5.16.4(z1)(4), this benefit of exemption will no longer apply, and AusNet Services will aim to produce a PADR before 24 June 2020.
- Summary AusNet Services East Rowville PSCR (2 MB, pdf)