Overview
An electricity interconnector is a connection that allows power to flow in both directions between regions in the National Electricity Market, providing access to a larger number of electricity generators.
Victoria – New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) is enabling better power flows between the states, unlocking access to renewal energy generation. It is helping decrease the cost of wholesale electricity across the National Electricity Market and is putting downward pressure on customer bills.
What are the project benefits?
The upgrade will deliver net benefits of up to $268 million to electricity customers.
It will also:
- support the development of renewable generation in new energy zones, which are expected to provide the bulk of energy in the future.
- help to ensure more reliable supply of electricity to customers at all times, including during periods of peak demand.
The project was identified as a priority by both the Australian Energy Market Operator in the 2020 Integrated System Plan and by the State Government in the NSW Transmission Infrastructure Strategy.
What has been delivered?
We have installed Smart Valves power flow controller technology within Yass substation in NSW and our new Stockdill substation in the ACT.
Smart Valves technology enables the real-time control of electricity flows along power lines. The system detects areas of congestion in the network and automatically redirects flows to less congested lines. It will help unlock spare transmission capacity, allowing more energy to be transferred between Victoria and NSW.
AusNet Services will undertake complementary upgrades to the transmission network in Victoria.
