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 Cairns Northern Beaches area in Far North Queensland. We have identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the Cairns Northern Beaches. The load on Powerlink Queensland’s T53 Kamerunga 132/22kV Substation and the 22kV distribution network in the Cairns Northern Beaches area has progressively increased such that augmentation is required if reliable supply is to be maintained.
To meet the planning criteria for the Cairns Northern Beaches area Ergon Energy needs an additional minimum of 18.6MVA firm capacity at 22kV to be provided to this area. This size has been matched to expected load requirements within Ergon Energy’s typical 10 year planning horizon.
In order to ensure that security of supply to customers in the Cairns Northern Beaches area complies with Ergon Energy’s planning criteria, corrective action will be required to be completed prior to the summer of 2013/14. A decision about the selected option is required by June 2009 if any option involving significant construction is to be completed by November 2013.
Ergon Energy published a Request for Information relating to this emerging network constraint on 4 September 2008 and a Consultation Paper and Draft Recommendation on 20 October 2008. No submissions were received by the closing dates of 2 October 2008 and 3 November 2008 respectively.
Two feasible solutions to the emerging network constraint have been identified:
- Option 1 - Establish a new substation at Cairns Northern Beaches
- Option 2 - Augment T53 Kamerunga substation (and establish a new substation at Cairns Northern Beaches in 2015)
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 establish a new Cairns Northern Beaches Substation by November 2013.
Information relating to the consultation about this project is provided on our Ergon's website:
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
 587Kb |
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited : Final Report – Supply to Cairns Northern Beaches Area Emerging Distribution Network Constraint - 16 Dec 2008 |