Regulatory test consultations
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We're always working to identify limitations or constraints in our distribution network. When we propose to establish a new, large distribution asset to address a constraint, Registered Participants and Interested Parties are invited to offer alternative solutions that satisfy the Regulatory Investment Test for Distribution (RIT-D).
We analyse the different options and prepare a report, and our current consultation reports can be viewed below.
New consultation reports will soon be available in our RIT-D Partner Portal, so make sure you register now to receive notifications when new reports are published (registration and login details are provided below).
Further information about how we're managing the network can be found in our Distribution Annual Planning Report.
Our requirements under the National Electricity Rules
Under the National Electricity Rules, if we're proposing to establish a new, large distribution asset to address a constraint, then we're required to:
- consult with Registered Participants, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Interested Parties on the anticipated limitation and options to address the constraint, within the timeframe required for corrective action
- carry out a detailed economic cost effectiveness analysis of options to identify solutions that satisfy the Regulatory Test
- prepare a report for affected Registered Participants, the AEMO and Interested Parties which includes an assessment of all identified options, details of the preferred solution and the recommended action to be taken.
Register for information and alerts
The RIT-D Partner Portal is the new way to interact with us for Regulatory Investment Test activities. It replaces the Alert Service subscription you may have had with Ergon Energy.
Register for our RIT-D Partner Portal to:
- receive email notifications about new proposals open to alternative solution offers
- receive email notifications when new documents are published
- submit responses to the non-network options report
- download the draft and final determinations
- submit enquiries
- see all RIT-D activities currently being undertaken in the Ergon Energy network.
Need to register? Fill in our online form now.
Register for the RIT-D Partner Portal
Already registered? Login for the latest information or to update your details. Check out the RIT-D Partner Portal User Guide (PDF 534.3 kb).
Check out the new features now
Current consultations
| Area | Report type | Description | Date issued | Submission closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyne (PDF, 197.9 KB) | Notice of Withdrawal | Ergon Energy identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying Boyne Island in 2013. A Regulatory Test of suitable options was undertaken, resulting in the decision to upgrade the Boyne Residential Substation and construct an additional 66kV line. However, changes to the security standards that were recommended by the Inter-Departmental Committee and Independent Review Panel, and accepted by the Government, necessitated that we adopt a probabilistic approach to planning. As a consequence, we consider that the proposed works are no longer required to address an identified need in the timeframe referred to in the original consultation. Therefore, we have decided to withdraw the recommendation to augment the Boyne Residential Substation and construct an additional 66kV feeder. | 12 Oct 2015 | |
| Cannonvale (PDF, 196.2 KB) | Notice of Withdrawal | Ergon Energy identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying Cannonvale in 2010. A Regulatory Test of suitable options was undertaken, resulting in the decision to construct a 66kV switchyard at Cannonvale and construct an additional 66kV line. However, changes to the security standards that were recommended by the Inter-Departmental Committee and Independent Review Panel, and accepted by the Government, necessitated that we adopt a probabilistic approach to planning. As a consequence, we consider that the proposed works are no longer required to address an identified need in the timeframe referred to in the original consultation. Therefore, we have decided to withdraw the recommendation to augment the Cannonvale Substation and construct an additional 66kV feeder. | 12 Oct 2015 | |
| Charleville (PDF, 220.6 KB) | Notice of Withdrawal | Ergon Energy identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying Charleville in 2012. A Regulatory Test of suitable options was undertaken, resulting in the decision to develop a diesel generation solution for the region. However, changes to the security standards that were recommended by the Inter-Departmental Committee and Independent Review Panel, and accepted by the Government, necessitated that we adopt a probabilistic approach to planning. As a consequence, we consider that the proposed works are no longer required to address an identified need in the timeframe referred to in the original consultation. Therefore, we have decided to withdraw the recommendation to complete the diesel generation solution for the Charleville region on the basis that it would not be prudent and efficient to proceed with the works. | 30 Sep 2015 | |
| Charlton Area (PDF, 1.2 MB) | Final Project Assessment Report | Ergon Energy is responsible for electricity supply to the Charlton, Wellcamp, Kingsthorpe and Westbrook areas, west of Toowoomba. We have identified emerging limitations in the electricity distribution network supplying the area, as the load on the Torrington 110/33/11kV substation has been steadily increasing due to increasing numbers of residential, commercial and industrial customers. The region is poised for further significant growth. Should additional works not be completed in this region, it is likely that significant voltage and capacity constraints could present when additional customers begin to connect. We have determined that there will not be a non-network option that is a potential credible option, or that forms a significant part of a potential credible option. As per the “Screening for non-network options report”, we determined that the most appropriate technical and economic network solution to the network constraint was the establishment of a 33/11kV, 10MVA Skid Substation on the corner of Meehan and Wirth Roads, Charlton. | 30 Sep 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 |
| Emerald (PDF, 2.2 MB) | Draft Project Assessment Report | Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (Ergon Energy) is responsible (under its Distribution Authority) for electricity supply to the Emerald area in central Queensland. The maximum demand at Emerald is presently 39.7MVA and is forecast to grow by approximately 1.7% per annum for the next 10 years. The existing 66kV network does not have sufficient capability to supply the forecast increased load at Emerald under system normal conditions, and voltage constraints may start to occur within five years. Ergon Energy has also received connection enquiries from two major customers in the Emerald area. Connection of either one of them will bring forward the date voltage constraints may start to occur such that additional network capability will be required before connection can be offered. Ergon Energy’s preferred solution to address the identified need at Emerald is to install additional reactive compensation at Emerald Zone Substation, and to upgrade the Emerald – Blackwater 66kV Feeder to increase its thermal rating. | 01 Jun 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 |
| Gracemere Area (PDF, 1.7 MB) | Final Report | Ergon Energy has identified increasing risks to reliable supply in the electricity distribution network supplying the Gracemere area. A Regulatory Test was completed (though the requirement for consultation changed during the process). The loads on Ergon Energy’s Malchi 66/11kV Zone Substation and subsequent 11kV network have progressively increased such that the Regulatory Test is satisfied via the Market Benefits limb for construction of a compact substation at the Gracemere site (a New Small New Network Asset), with completion by November 2018. | 05 May 2016 |
Closed consultations
View the Closed consultations webpage to see the list of Regulatory Test Consultations that have now concluded.
