Transgrid has published the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) for Maintaining compliance with performance standards applicable to Cowra substation secondary systems. Publication of this PACR represents the last step in the RIT-T process and follows the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) published in January 2025.
Cowra 132/66 kV substation comprises of 3x 132 kV feeders, 2x 132/66 kV transformers and 5x 66 kV feeders. It is a customer connection point supplying the Essential Energy 66 kV network in the area inclusive of Young, Canowindra and Grenfell.
Secondary systems assets at Cowra substation are facing technological obsolescence. This obsolescence increases both the time to rectify defects and the risk that primary assets at the substation may not be able to reliably operate. Reactive replacement of failed secondary systems components is not sustainable and impacts our ability to meet the requirements of the National Electricity Rules (NER).
Transgrid published a PSCR for maintaining compliance with performance standards applicable to Cowra substation secondary systems in January 2025. In the PSCR Transgrid presented two credible network options that would meet the identified need from a technical, commercial, and project delivery perspective.
No submissions received in response to the PSCR and no additional credible options have been identified.
The assessment in this PACR finds that Option 2 (complete in-situ replacement) remains the preferred option to meet the identified need. The estimated capital cost of Option 2 is $13.38m (2024-25).
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the Project Assessment Conclusions Report is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PACR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing [email protected].