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 Emerald area in Central Queensland. We have identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the township of Emerald. The load on Ergon Energy’s 66kV lines supplying Emerald has progressively increased such that augmentation is required if reliable supply is to be maintained.
To meet the planning criteria for the Emerald situation, Ergon Energy needs an additional minimum of 40 MVA firm cyclic capacity at 66 kV to be provided to this area. This size has been matched to expected load requirements within Ergon Energy’s typical planning horizon (being 15 years for the subtransmission network).
In order to ensure that security of supply to customers in the Emerald area complies with Ergon Energy’s planning criteria, corrective action will be required to be completed prior to the summer of 2010-11.
Ergon Energy published a Request for Information relating to this emerging network constraint on 21 July 2008, and a Consultation Paper and Draft Recommendation on 3 September 2008. No submissions were received by the closing dates of 18 August 2008 and 17 September 2008 respectively.
Two feasible solutions to the emerging network constraint have been identified:
- Option 1 Rebuild the Blackwater-Emerald 66kV line as a new double circuit 66kV line
- Option 2 Rebuild the Blackwater-Emerald 66kV line as a new single circuit 66kV line and install a Static Var Compensator at Emerald
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 rebuild the Blackwater-Emerald 66kV line as a new double circuit 66kV line by December 2010.
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 Report– Supply to Emerald Area Emerging Distribution Network Constraint - 12 Nov 2008 |