The Kingston area of Southern Tasmania includes five 110/11 kV terminal substations at Kingston, Electrona, Knights Road, Kermandie and Huon River. These substations supply 11 kV power to Aurora Energy (Distribution Network Service Provider) and Transend’s directly connected customers. The population in this area is approximately 30,500. Electricity to the Kingston area is supplied via one double circuit 110 kV transmission line emanating from Chapel Street Substation, Hobart.
The Electricity Supply Industry (Network Performance Requirements) Regulations 2007 are the local jurisdictional regulations under which the Tasmanian transmission system must be planned. Clause 5(1)(a)(v) of these regulations states that "the unserved energy to load that is interrupted by a single asset failure is not to be capable of exceeding 3000 MWh at any time". Based on current load forecasts, a single asset failure on this transmission line, such as a tower failure, could result in more than 3000 MWh of unserved energy by winter 2017.
A Project Specification Consultation Report has been prepared by Transend to start the RIT-T consultation process for a transmission investment or a non-network solution to address the security of supply issue to the Kingston area. The report describes the preferred credible network option.
The preferred option involves establishment of an additional 110 kV line to the Kingston area from Creek Road Substation, Hobart, at an estimated cost of $19 million. The proposed transmission line route utilises partially an existing easement. The project is planned to be completed by 2017.
The report invites submissions suggesting non-network credible options. The performance requirements for these options are specified.
Submissions are due on or before 28 December 2011. Submissions should be emailed to enquiries@transend.com.au.
A copy of the consultation report is below: