Today, AEMO published a ‘feedback loop notice’ confirming that the early works stage of the HumeLink electricity transmission network project remains part of the Optimal Development Path (ODP) identified in the Update to the 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP).
In December, AEMO provided an Update to the 2020 ISP, required under the National Electricity Rules to incorporate significant changes to the inputs, assumptions and scenarios that were used in the 2020 ISP.
While the ISP sets out a whole-of-system plan, Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) are required to assess the individual actionable components of this plan through the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T).
Following completion of the RIT-T, a TNSP may seek written confirmation from AEMO to confirm that the preferred option from the RIT-T remains aligned with the optimal development path in the most recent ISP. This process is referred to as the ‘feedback loop’.
This week, the New South Wales TNSP, Transgrid, requested confirmation from AEMO that the early works stage of HumeLink remained part of the ODP. AEMO now confirms that the early works stage of HumeLink is part of the ODP, based on a total project cost estimate of $3,317 million, $330 million of which is for early works.
Transgrid may now lodge a contingent project application with the Australian Energy Regulator to seek funding for this first stage of the project.
Please visit AEMO’s website for previous ISP feedback loop notices.