Network planning

Vision

Australia’s energy system is undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime transformation; moving away from coal-fired generation towards a greater reliance on low-cost and renewable power. Transmission is pivotal to this changing energy landscape.

As the share of intermittent renewable generation increases, we will play a critical role in ensuring the secure operation of the NSW power system as part of a more robust and sustainable energy market.

Our vision for the future of NSW’s electricity system over the next 30 years is outlined in our Energy Vision report. 

Planning

We know that energy affordability is a priority for consumers and we are committed to delivering electricity at the lowest possible cost. We do this by operating efficiently, investing prudently in new infrastructure and maintenance, and by planning the future grid.

As part of our planning process, we assess transmission capabilities and identify areas of the network where limitations are expected to emerge in future. We consider both network investment and non-network solutions to address these limitations.

Our Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR) describes forecasts and network constraints in the short-term, and sets out a detailed ten year plan. It provides information on NSW energy demand projections, emerging constraints in the NSW network and completed, committed and planned expansion.

This report is published each year, in accordance with the National Electricity Rules. We also publish some of our TAPR information in the Rosetta Portal.

Investing in our network

As the energy system transitions towards renewables, we invest in transmission projects including interconnectors, renewable energy zone augmentations, and links within NSW and interstate to optimise our network.

These transmission projects are set to improve competition within the wholesale market, support the connection of more low-cost generation, reduce congestion on the network and lower prices for customers.

Our planning process provides further detail around our approach to capital infrastructure development.

Non-network solutions

Non-network solutions are implemented alongside infrastructure augmentation where it is feasible and cost effective to do so. By taking this approach, we can defer or avoid significant capital costs associated with network investment and deliver benefits to consumers through lower transmission prices.

Demand management

When demand for electricity during peak times approaches network capacity, we must act to maintain a reliable supply to energy customers.  

Demand response initiatives typically use standby electricity generators or other embedded electricity generation such as solar panels or diesel generators. Sometimes customers are asked to voluntarily reduce electricity usage during periods of high demand.

We have delivered one of Australia’s largest network capital deferral programs using demand management (as part of the Powering Sydney’s Future project) and continue to develop innovation projects to help build an understanding of the capability and value that demand management can deliver to the future energy system.

In the future, demand management may also include energy storage options such as batteries.