Regulated Network Reports and Studies
ElectraNet continually aims to plan smarter, manage smarter and work smarter.
The timely and cost-effective establishment of new electricity transmission assets across South Australia is essential. But the current environment of climate change, new emergent technology, and changes to the mix and location of intermittent generation (such as solar and wind) demands that we do so with greater degrees of flexibility.
To manage and plan for these changes in our industry, ElectraNet develops reports and studies in consultation with a number of stakeholders. They include government organisations, the resources sector, and market participants. In particular, we work closely with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the national electricity transmission planner, to meet state and national objectives.
The following reports help ensure that the investment solutions we develop for the South Australian electricity transmission network are:
- cost effective
- delivering net benefits to the market
- scalable for changes to demand in a carbon-constrained future.
ElectraNet's Upcoming and Published Reports and Studies
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approves ElectraNet’s revenue stream through a revenue determination process, known as the Regulated Revenue Determination Process. The revenue that is determined by the AER is referred to as ‘regulated revenue’, and around 90% of our revenue falls into this category. Regulated revenue covers the expenses that we incur when developing and operating regulated transmission assets. This is also known as ‘prescribed transmission services’.
Every five years, ElectraNet submits a Revenue Proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for formal assessment and approval through the revenue determination process. The proposal outlines the program of work and forecast revenue required to maintain and operate a safe, reliable and efficient transmission network. On 30 April 2018, the AER released its final determination on ElectraNet’s Revenue Proposal for the five-year regulatory period commencing 1 July 2018.
ElectraNet’s vision for the South Australian transmission network is that it will deliver affordable and reliable power supplies that support customer choices for a sustainable future.
Change has always been part of the electricity supply landscape, as generation technology has evolved to reflect the best technology of the time. However, the rate of change has increased dramatically as new technologies have been commercialised at both consumer and grid levels, supported by government policy measures and customer priorities.
The transmission network must continue to evolve to meet customers’ changing needs, and support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
View our Network Vision document to learn more about how we will work towards this goal.
Due to the long lead times in the delivery of transmission infrastructure, forecasting electricity demand and loading conditions is a very important consideration when planning the delivery of reliable transmission services. This report identifies the transmission connection point forecasts that ElectraNet used in our 2018 South Australian Transmission Annual Planning report.
Since 2010/11, energy consumption from the grid in South Australia has been declining. The 2018 report shows a continuing trend towards reduced demand during the day, and that in some cases, transmission network connection points are even experiencing a flow of power injected into the grid.
We encourage registered participants and interested parties in the National Electricity Market to provide feedback on the 2018 South Australian Connection Point Forecasts report.
The Network Capability Incentive Parameter Action Plan (NCIPAP or Action Plan) contains ElectraNet’s program of small scale projects designed to improve the capability of South Australia’s network in the locations that are most important to determining spot prices, and at the times most valued by users. These projects are designed to reduce pressure on electricity prices and network costs, achieved through efficient deferral of network investment, more cost-effective maintenance practices, and smarter ways of managing the network.
Following our extensive consultation with consumer groups and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approved the Action Plan in May 2015. This provides the funding for a three year program that started on 1 July 2015. As part of the program, we will invest approximately $10m in six small scale projects to improve the capability of our network.
Access the action plan and associated documents below:
- AEMO Endorsement
- Action Plan
- Network Capability Action Plan Fact Sheet
- Further information on the AER’s website
- Consultation Summary.
The participant submissions ElectraNet received as part of this consultation are also available to view:
In 2010, ElectraNet and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a draft report on the the joint feasibility study done on transmission development options. Feasibility was judged on the potential to economically increase the interconnector transfer capability between South Australia and other National Electricity Market (NEM) load centres.
This final report looks at options for upgrading the high-voltage transmission lines that connect South Australia to the NEM. The upgrade should facilitate increased opportunities for renewable energy development and provide improved network security for South Australia and neighbouring states. The report also responds to a range of issues and questions raised by stakeholders in their submissions.
Do you have questions or feedback regarding any of our reports? Our team will respond to any queries as soon as possible.