Transgrid has submitted its Project Assessment Conclusions Report to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for HumeLink, advancing the major transmission project to the next stage of the regulatory process.
HumeLink will carry electricity to customers from new generation sources, including the expanded Snowy Hydro scheme.
The report outlines how TransGrid would deliver the new 500kV transmission project linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle in regional New South Wales.
Acting CEO, Brian Salter, said, “TransGrid has published the Project Assessment Conclusions Report, as the final part of the Australian Energy Regulator’s Regulatory Investment Test – Transmission consultation process.
“In the report, we have demonstrated how the HumeLink project will benefit energy customers and deliver $491 million in net benefits over the assessment period.
“When completed, it will increase the amount of electricity that can be delivered to customers in NSW, the ACT and across the National Electricity Market,” said Mr Salter.
HumeLink will also:
- Reduce the need for new dispatchable generation investment to meet demand going forward
- Avoid capital costs that would otherwise be required associated with enabling greater integration of renewables in the National Electricity Market (NEM)
- Lower the aggregate generator fuel costs required to meet demand in the NEM going forward
- Provide significant ‘competition benefits’ by increasing the efficiency of bidding in the wholesale market
- Help facilitate further reductions of carbon emissions to support achieving Australia’s climate change targets
- Create more than 1,000 construction jobs
- Contribute to regional economic activity generating major benefits for local communities along the route
All transmission projects are subject to a market benefits test administered by the AER and Transgrid must show that HumeLink will benefit consumers, to be given final regulatory approval.
“TransGrid’s report defines a preferred circuit option for HumeLink that delivers consumer benefit. However, it does not define a route,” Mr Salter said.
“We are committed to consulting in a respectful, timely and effective manner with landowners and communities as the regulatory process progresses and we thank everyone for their patience as we await the regulator’s response to the report.”
If approved, HumeLink will go through a separate New South Wales Government environmental and planning approvals process and is expected to be delivered by late 2026.
For more information about the project, visit: www.transgrid.com.au/humelink
