Electricity interconnector on track to deliver savings

5th May 2023

South Australian power customers will benefit from Project EnergyConnect, the new high-voltage power interconnector with New South Wales, which is expected to deliver annual savings of $127 for a typical residential power customer, according to independent modelling by ACIL Allen.

For larger customers, the modelling has found that businesses across the state will see annual savings of between $6,000 and $18,000, depending on the size of the business and their electricity consumption.

ElectraNet Chief Operating Officer, Rainer Korte, said “With cost-of-living pressures impacting many people, projects like the new interconnector will play a vital role in putting downward pressure on electricity prices once in full operation by 1 July 2026.”

“The new interconnector will unlock renewable energy development, strengthen the grid and deliver savings for customers.”

“The interconnector strengthens South Australia’s position as a leader in the transition to a clean energy future,” Rainer said.

Project EnergyConnect will run for 900km between Robertstown, in South Australia’s mid-north, and Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales, via Buronga with an additional line between Buronga and Red Cliffs, in Victoria.

The new interconnector will have a capacity of 800 megawatts, which is the equivalent of delivering energy to 240,000 extra households.

“Major construction work on the South Australian component of the project is now more than 50 per cent complete, with construction completion on target for the end of 2023.

“Construction crews have poured the last foundation for the 384 new transmission towers on the line and we expect all the towers to be installed by July 2023.

“At the same time, crews are now stringing the new towers with conductor and this work will continue over the coming months.

“The new Bundey substation, which will be the largest on South Australia’s network, is about 75 per cent complete with three large new transformers delivered in April and currently being installed.

“Construction crews are working hard to ensure we stay on track to have the South Australian works completed by the end of this year subject to favourable weather conditions.

“At the same time, Transgrid is working with its contractors to deliver the 700 kilometre New South Wales component of the interconnector, Australia’s largest transmission project.

“Commissioning of the first stage of the interconnector between Robertstown in South Australia and Buronga in New South Wales will take place early next year with release of initial power transfer planned for mid-2024.”

To view the ACIL Allen report, visit https://www.electranet.com.au/wp-content/uploads/ACIL-Allen-report-2023-1.pdf