Powerlink is consulting on a Draft Material Change in Circumstances (MCC) Assessment for our System Strength Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T).
System strength is a measure of the ability of the network to control the voltage both during steady state operation and in response to a network disturbance, such as a sudden change in generation or load, or fault on the network.
The Queensland energy system has historically comprised synchronous generation such as coal-fired power stations, gas turbines and hydro-electric plants. These large synchronous generators have also provided various services including system strength as a by-product of their dispatch for energy, enabling the power system to operate stably.
As the System Strength Service Provider for Queensland, Powerlink is required to make available system strength services as set out in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) annual Transition Plan for System Security.
In June 2025, Powerlink Queensland published a Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) to address system strength requirements in Queensland from December 2025. Since publishing the PACR, changes in retirement dates for coal generating units in Queensland necessitate a reassessment of the identified need and preferred option set out in the PACR.
Powerlink notified the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in August 2026 that a MCC had occurred for the System Strength RIT-T. In September 2026 the AER published Powerlink’s notification and AER determination accepting our proposed actions:
- publish a Draft MCC Assessment by 19 October 2026,
- undertake a 30-business day public consultation period, and
- publish a final statement responding to submissions and identify any refinements to the preferred option by 9 December 2026.
Powerlink’s Draft MCC Assessment is available below. Powerlink welcomes submissions and comments from market participants, AEMO, potential non-network solution providers and interested parties (including individual customers) on the draft assessment by Monday, 30 November 2026.
Visit the Material change in circumstances webpage to learn more about what an MCC is and how the process works.
webinar
We are holding a system strength regulatory investment webinar on Wednesday, 4 November from 1-2pm (AEST).
We will discuss our draft MCC assessment including:
- what has changed since previous assessments
- the draft findings of our October assessment, and
- the scope of our public consultation
An update will also be provided on the forthcoming Contingent Project Application for four Central Queensland synchronous condensers.
All documents and reports relating to the System Strength RIT-T and MCC, are available below.
Material Change in Circumstances
Project Assessment Conclusions Report
Project Assessment Draft report
Notice of extension
Project Specification Consultation Report
Project Specification Consultation Report Submissions
System strength unit prices rule change proposal consultation
In the context of engagement activities with consumers and the general community, Powerlink has assessed this project as ‘complex’ on the RIT-T stakeholder engagement matrix.
A public webinar was held on 28 November 2024. This session was designed to assist non-network solution providers and stakeholders in preparing proposals for Powerlink’s PADR. It covered key requirements, provided context on Queensland’s system strength needs, and addressed participant questions. Resources from the session, including the recording, presentation slides and Q&A responses, are available on our engagement forums page.