Transgrid has recently published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for managing risk on Line 86 (Tamworth-Armidale).
Given the increasing rate of defect issues on Line 86’s wooden poles, Transgrid considers it is likely that all the structures on Line 86 are exhibiting various forms of decay, which is only expected to worsen over time. In addressing the condition issues on Line 86, an opportunity exists to provide extra capacity in this region of our network and, in doing so, address potential future constraints in the network and facilitate conditions that enable market benefits to be derived, associated with new generation and storage within the National Electricity Market.
This RIT-T will assess options to address the asset condition issues identified on Line 86, while also providing the greatest overall net benefit to the market over the long-term through increasing the transfer capacity between Armidale and Tamworth, relative to if no action is taken.
Transgrid considers this a ‘market benefits’ driven RIT-T, as opposed to a ‘reliability corrective action’, and expect the ultimately preferred option to have significantly positive expected net market benefits.
In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@Transgrid.com.au.
Transgrid welcomes written submissions on materials contained in this PSCR. Submissions are due on 1 March 2022.