Complying with reactive margin requirements at Beryl

Transgrid has identified reactive margin shortfall (and voltage) issues in the Beryl area of Central New South Wales. These issues arise from current and projected demand in the downstream Essential Energy distribution network.

Transgrid is applying the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to options for complying with reactive margin requirements at Beryl. This may involve new infrastructure to address demand in the area.

Transgrid is required to demonstrate that the preferred option for complying with reactive margin requirements at Beryl will deliver the greatest net benefits to energy consumers. The net benefits delivered by the project are assessed using the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) administered by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

The RIT-T assesses network and non-network solution options from a technical and economic perspective by:

• Informing stakeholders of the investment need and proposed options to address this need;
• Testing the market for alternative and more efficient solutions;
• Explaining to stakeholders the basis on which the preferred option has been selected.

Transgrid has published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR), the first stage of the RIT-T. The PSCR details the identified need to comply with reactive margin requirements at Beryl. 

We consider that non-network solutions that can provide dynamic reactive support may be able to assist with meeting the identified need. Alongside the PSCR, we have issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) specifying the type and form of information we are seeking from non-network proponents to enable their solution to be considered in this RIT-T.

Submissions to the PSCR are now closed, however, the EOI has been extended.

Interested Parties are welcome to respond to the EOI by completing the Returnable Schedule and emailing to innovation@transgrid.com.au no later than 6pm, 13 March 2025. 

Transgrid will not reproduce any material on our website for parties wishing to maintain their confidentiality.

Following EOI submissions and responses, we will develop a Project Assessment Draft report (PADR), the second stage of the RIT-T. We will invite submissions on the PADR over a 6 week consultation period.