On 21 January 2026, ElectraNet submitted its contingent project application to us, seeking an increase to its revenue to fund early works on the Northern Transmission Project (NTx) formerly known as the Mid North South Australia Renewable Energy Zone Expansion, in accordance with clause 6A.8.2 of the National Electricity Rules (NER).
In the 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP), the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) identified this project as part of the optimal development path. The identified need of this actionable ISP project is to:
- support the expected increase in renewable generation north of Adelaide to support growing demand in Adelaide
- ensure adequate network capacity and supply for large industrial loads
- alleviate congestion on renewables from the Mid North to the rest of the National Electricity Market.
We invite stakeholders to provide submissions on ElectraNet’s stage 1b early works contingent project application by COB Friday 20 February 2026. Written submissions should be emailed to contingentprojects
aer [dot] gov [dot] au (contingentprojects[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au).
Background
This project was identified by AEMO as an actionable project in its 2024 ISP. ElectraNet submitted this early works contingent project application for an actionable ISP project trigger event under clause 5.16A.5(e) of the NER.
Our role is to review the prudency and efficiency of the proposed costs within the stage 1b early works application to ensure consumers pay no more than necessary. We have 40 business days from receiving the application or responses to information requests to make our decision. We expect to make a decision on the application in the coming months.