Draft Project Assessment Report – Summary
Regulatory Investment Test – Distribution – August 2026
AusNet is initiating this Regulatory Investment Test for Distribution (RIT-D) to investigate and evaluate options to efficiently maintain a reliable supply of power to the customers in Pakenham area as the forecast demand exceeds the capacity of several 22kV distribution feeders originating from existing five zone substations Clyde North (CLN), Cranbourne East (CRE), Officer (OFR), Pakenham (PHM) and Lang Lang (LLG) that currently supplies the load in the growth area.
The Options Screening Report (OSR), which represents the first step in the RIT-D process in accordance with clause 5.17 of the National Electricity Rules (NER) and section 4.2 of the RIT-D Application Guidelines was published in February 2026. This report, the Draft Project Assessment Report (DPAR), is the second stage of the RIT-D process and provides information about the draft conclusions of the RIT-D.
No non-network proposals were received during the RIT-D OSR consultation phase.
The preferred solution is to establish a new Pakenham South zone substation and three new distribution feeders. The estimated capital cost of the preferred option is $71.6million (real, $2025).
AusNet welcomes written submissions on the credible options presented in this DPAR and invites proposals from proponents of potential non-network options. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] on or before 12th October 2026. In the subject field, please reference ‘RIT-D OSR Pakenham South & Surrounding Areas’.