Communities encouraged to provide feedback on major transmission project

Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said “We would really like to hear from people about VNI West and encourage them to attend community engagement sessions in the region. They can provide important information to help us develop this critically important network project which will ultimately help consumers access cheap, clean and secure electricity.”

VNI West is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) and will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria.

Mr Taylor said the Draft Corridor Report evaluates a number of potential corridor options and identifies a preliminary preferred corridor option which runs from Transgrid’s Dinawan substation, north of Jerilderie in NSW, to new substations proposed near Kerang and the Western Renewals Link in Victoria.

“VNI West will not only drive down the cost of wholesale electricity – ultimately helping to lower electricity bills - it will also reduce network congestion in some areas of NSW and Victoria.”

VNI West is recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as a priority project in its 2022 Integrated System Plan which will increase the amount of energy shared between the two states and deliver the best options for electricity customers in the long term.

VNI West will:

• increase the capacity to share electricity between NSW and Victoria
• improve the reliability and security of electricity supply in both states
• increase access to renewable energy sources
• create an economic boost for regional communities through the provision of jobs, training and local supply opportunities
• help achieve renewable energy targets and the overall decarbonisation of the National Electricity Market (NEM), while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to consumers

Transgrid is seeking feedback from community and stakeholders until Friday 28 July, 2023. In-person sessions are scheduled at:

• Deniliquin - Monday 3 July, 10am - 4pm at Deniliquin RSL Club
• Moulamein - Tuesday 4 July, 11am - 3pm at Moulamein Bowling Club
• Jerilderie - Wednesday 5 July, 2pm - 6pm at Jerilderie Civic Hall

All information provided will be assessed before identifying route options. Further engagement will be undertaken with potentially impacted landowners before the environmental assessment phase commences.

For information and updates on the VNI West project in NSW, contact Transgrid via email VNIW@transgrid.com.au or call 1800 955 588. For information relating to the VNI West project in Victoria, please visit the Transmission Company Victoria webpage or email enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au. 

Go here for the Draft Corridor Report for NSW section of the VNI West project.

Transgrid media contact:

Michelle Stone 0438 293 917