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, NEMMCO 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 is responsible (under its Distribution Authority) for electricity supply to the Capricorn Coast area in Central Queensland. We have identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the whole Capricorn Coast area and especially the Southern Capricorn Coast areas of Kinka Beach, Hidden Valley, Emu Park, Great Barrier Reef International Resort and Keppel Sands. The load on Ergon Energy’s Yeppoon Substation and the 11kV and 22kV distribution network in the Capricorn Coast area has progressively increased such that augmentation is required if reliable supply is to be maintained.
To meet the planning criteria for the Capricorn Coast Areas situation, Ergon Energy requires an additional minimum of 20 MVA firm cyclic capacity at 22 kV to be provided to this area. This size has been matched to expected load requirements within Ergon Energy’s typical planning horizon (being 10 years for zone substations).
In order to ensure that security of supply to customers in the Capricorn Coast area complies with Ergon Energy’s planning criteria; corrective action will be required to be completed prior to the summer of 2008-09.
Ergon Energy published a Request for Information relating to this emerging network constraint on 23 June 2008, and a Consultation Paper and Draft Recommendation on 5 August 2008. No submissions were received by the closing dates of 21 July 2008 and 19 August 2008 respectively.
Two feasible solutions to the emerging network constraint have been identified:
- Option 1 Establish a new zone substation on the southern Capricorn Coast
- Option 2 Augment the existing Yeppoon zone substation and establish express 22kV feeders to the southern Capricorn Coast area
In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules, this is now a Final Report where Ergon Energy provides both economic and technical information about possible solutions, and the solution decided on, being Option 1, to augment the existing Black River zone Substation by December 2008.
Information relating to the consultation about this project is provided on our web site:
http://www.ergon.com.au/network_info/consultations/default.asp
For further information, please contact:
Glenys Davies
Ph: 07-4931 2661
Email: Glenys.Davies@ergon.com.au
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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited Final Recommendation : Supply to Capricorn Coast Area Emerging Distribution Network Constraint - 24 Sep 2008 |