Electricity distributor Powercor has applied to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) 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, which services a large part of Melton and Moorabool, is hoping by adding competition it will deliver lower costs and faster connections for major projects such as solar and wind farms.
Chief executive Tim Rourke said if it was granted the license they would provide major businesses and renewable energy proponents more choice when it comes to connecting to Victoria’s electricity grid.
“An additional provider and operator in the market will support more investment, creating the 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.
“We are already one of the lowest cost distributors and this will be mirrored within our transmission group.”
If granted the licence, Powercor will deliver transmission infrastructure, including new terminal stations and 220 kilovolt powerlines, to connect customer-related projects to the grid. These projects would include large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage, data centres and commercial and industrial businesses.
Powercor said It will not be delivering large transmission line corridors as part of its projects.
“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 10,000 megawatts of capacity within our state’s designated 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,.”
Powercor will host a webinar to provide customers and stakeholders more information on May 16 at 12pm.
Details: www.powercor.com.au/transmission.
