Our transmission planning ensures the network continues to safely and reliably meet forecast electricity demand and system strength requirements.
We review the transmission network annually to assess its ability to meet forecast electricity needs for the next 10 years. The review helps ensure that existing network assets are assessed for their enduring network requirements in a manner that is economic, safe and reliable. It also identifies potential solutions to meet increases in electricity demand, in advance of when action is needed.
The review findings are published in the Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR), a technical document that includes information about the potential future need for asset reinvestment (replacing existing assets) or network augmentation (increasing the network’s ability to carry more electricity).
The TAPR also covers power system security services planning and how Powerlink is meeting the challenges of delivering system security services such as voltage regulation, inertia and system strength.
Where Powerlink identifies a need to augment or reinvest in the transmission network, we undertake the applicable investment test to identify the most cost-effective solution.
Consultation is an important part of the investment process. The investment test or process applied will be either:
A Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission or RIT-T is a regulated process used to identify the most cost‑effective solution to meet an identified network need. Learn more about our current and completed RIT-T consultations.
The Priority Transmission Investment process consists of four key stages leading up to the commencement of construction. Learn more about Priority Transmission Investments in Queensland.
Contingent projects provide a structured, transparent pathway for progressing investments above a threshold once a trigger is met. Learn more about Contingent Projects and the Contingent Project Application process.
To ensure we deliver cost-effective power system security solutions, Powerlink consults with NEM participants and other interested parties as part of the procurement process. If the solution is needed within 18 months of being identified by AEMO, Powerlink may issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) for non-network solutions. Where the service is needed greater than 18 months away, Powerlink will undertake a Regulatory Investment for Transmission (RIT-T) to assess the feasibility of network and non-network solutions. Learn more about Power System Security EOIs.