Thomastown terminal station (TTS) is owned and operated by AusNet and forms part of the 220kV transmission network in Metropolitan Melbourne. TTS is located in the north of greater Melbourne. It operates at 220/66 kV and supplies approximately 177,460 distribution customers in the Jemena Electricity Networks and AusNet Electricity Services in the Thomastown, Coburg, Preston, Watsonia, North Heidelberg, Lalor, Coolaroo and Broadmeadows areas.
A range of assets at TTS are exhibiting signs of deteriorated condition and present an increased risk of asset failure. In the absence of remedial action, these assets will constitute a risk to the current level of reliability provided to customers supplied from TSS.
To evaluate the options for addressing this risk, AusNet is initiating this Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). The purpose of the RIT-T is to identify the credible option that maximises the present value of net economic benefit to all those who produce, consume and transport electricity in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
AusNet does not consider that there are any credible non-network solutions to address the identified need, since the assets that are currently in poor condition cannot be retired as they are critical to maintaining reliable supply to customers served by TTS. At this stage, AusNet’s preferred option is to replace the assets that are assessed as being in poor condition, with the project expected to commence in 2026 and conclude by the end of 2028.
Publication of this Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) represents the first step in the RIT-T process in accordance with clause 5.16 of the National Electricity Rules (NER) and section 4.2 of the RIT-T Application Guidelines. AusNet welcomes written submissions on the credible options presented in this PSCR, including any inquiries from non-network proponents.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] on or before 29 Apr 2026. In the subject field, please reference ‘RIT-T PSCR_TTS.’