Project EnergyConnect

The Australian energy landscape is changing as we transition to a greater mix of renewables. To support this transition, the national electricity grid needs to change to connect new energy generation sources to Australian communities and businesses.

Project EnergyConnect is a proposed new electricity interconnector between Robertstown in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, with an added connection into Victoria.

The proposed interconnector will span approximately 900km across the three states and will be jointly delivered by electricity transmission network providers ElectraNet (SA) and TransGrid (NSW).

If approved, Project EnergyConnect would deliver a range of benefits for customers in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria including:

• Lower power prices;
• Improved energy security;
• Increased economic activity;
• Supporting the transition to a lower carbon emission energy system; and
• Supporting a greater mix of renewable energy in the NEM.

Independent modelling also forecasts Project EnergyConnect should deliver broader economic benefits including regional construction jobs during the life of the project in South Australia and New South Wales.

Typical residential electricity bills are estimated to reduce annually by about $66 in South Australia and $30 in New South Wales. For small businesses, bills are estimated to reduce annually by $132 in South Australia and $71 in New South Wales. These savings are estimated to start flowing after the Project’s completion.

The Project is undergoing a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission, known as a RIT-T. This test is a rigorous cost benefit analysis overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). We should know by the end of 2019 if the interconnector proposal passes this test and Project EnergyConnect is able to proceed to the next step.

Information on the project and how to stay connected is available on the dedicated Project EnergyConnect website www.ProjectEnergyConnect.com.au which will be regularly updated as the project progresses. The community can also sign up via the website to receive regular updates via email.