On 3 May 2021 the AER commenced public consultation on revised contingent project applications received from ElectraNet and TransGrid seeking increases to their allowed revenue in accordance with clause 6A.8.2 of the NER to fund the construction of the South Australia (SA) to New South Wales (NSW) interconnector (Project EnergyConnect).

Project EnergyConnect involves the construction of a new 860 km 330 kV interconnector between Robertstown in mid-north SA and Wagga Wagga NSW, with an augmentation between Buronga and Red Cliffs in north-western Victoria. This project relates to the preferred network investment option identified through ElectraNet’s South Australian Energy Transformation Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T).

The AER is seeking public submissions on the additional material provided by TransGrid and ElectraNet in response to the AER's preliminary position published in December 2020, principally in relation to:

• the occurrence of the project trigger event in terms of the businesses' commitments to proceed with the project, and
• the forecast capital expenditure required to deliver the project.

The AER is required to make a determination on these contingent project applications within 40 business days of receipt, in accordance with clause 6A.8.2 of the NER.

We invited energy consumers and other interested parties to make submissions on the revised contingent project applications for Project EnergyConnect by 17 May 2021. Submissions are now closed.