Transgrid has published the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) for Maintaining safe and reliable operation of Inverell substation. Publication of this PACR represents the final step in the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process.
Inverell 132/66 kV substation is located in Transgrid’s Northern NSW network. It connects to Transgrid’s 132 kV Moree, White Rock and Armidale substations. It also connects to Essential Energy’s 66 kV distribution network which supplies industrial and residential loads in the Inverell region.
The condition of the No.1 and No.2 transformers are approaching the end of their serviceable life and showing signs of deterioration. These condition issues, if not remediated, increase the probability of transformer failure, which could result in reliability, safety, environment and financial consequences.
This has been classified as a ‘market benefits’ driven RIT-T as the economic assessment is not being progressed specifically to meet a mandated reliability standard but by the net benefits that are expected to be generated for end-customers.
Transgrid published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) in March 2025 and invited written submissions on the material presented within the document. No submissions were received in response to the PSCR. No additional credible options were identified during the consultation period following publication of the PSCR. In addition, no material changes have occurred since the PSCR that have made an impact on the preferred option.
In the PSCR Transgrid presented two credible network options that would meet the identified need from a technical, commercial, and project delivery perspective. This PACR concludes that implementation of Option 1 is the preferred option. Option 1 involves the replacement of the No.1 and No.2 transformers at Inverell substation.
The estimated capital cost of this option is approximately $15.50 million ($2024-25) +/- 25 per cent. Transgrid is the proponent of the proposed network project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PACR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PACR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@transgrid.com.au.
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