The Victorian-based network has applied to the Essential Services Commission for a licence that would allow it to plan, design and build transmission infrastructure within its current distribution footprint across western, central and northern parts of the state.
Powercor chief executive Tim Rourke said a new transmission provider would give major businesses and renewable energy proponents more choice when it came to connecting Victoria’s electricity grid.
“An additional provider and operator in the market will support more investment, creating competition needed to significantly drive down transmission connection costs and reduce delivery timelines for people wanting to invest in our state and create jobs in our regional communities,” he said.
“We will be the only provider to offer a full in-house service, from design and planning to construction and maintenance, across both distribution and transmission in western Victoria.”
If granted the licence, Powercor will be able to deliver new terminal stations and 220kV power lines.
It will also be able to connect customer-related projects to the grid, such as large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage, data centres and commercial and industrial businesses. It will not be delivering large transmission line corridors.
“Faster transmission connections and creating more capacity is essential to supporting Victoria achieve its target of delivering 65 per cent renewable generation by 2030 and unlocking more than 10,000MW of capacity within our state’s designed renewable energy zones,” Mr Rourke said.
“Our entry into the transmission market would provide the extra market capability the industry needs to support more renewables and commercial connections to the grid.”
The Essential Services Commission will be consulting communities and stakeholders as it reviews Powercor’s application.
Powercor will also host a webinar to provide customers and stakeholders with more information about its application.
The webinar will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 2pm, and those interested and register online at https://www.powercor.com.au/transmissionlicence/
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