The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has agreed to extend the date by which TasNetworks must publish the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) for the Waddamana to Palmerston Transfer Capability Upgrade project, to 28 February 2026.
TasNetworks requested an extension to allow additional time to properly explore and include options and data to improve the quality of the released PADR. In making our decision, we considered the effect of an extension on the quality and timeliness of the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission process, whether this will improve engagement and support a better outcome, and whether after the extension the project will still be delivered in time to meet the need identified in the Integrated System Plan.
The extension provides TasNetworks with additional time to explore and refine identified options. The extension will also allow TasNetworks to incorporate new data and insights into their modelling of the options, ensuring they remain suitable for the needs of the electricity system. This data and relevant information will come from the upcoming releases of the 2025 Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report (IASR), the 2025 Electricity Statement of Opportunities and the draft 2026 ISP. Incorporating this data into the PADR ensures the consistent identification of options, minimises the risk of material changes impacting the project between the release of the PADR and publication of the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) and ensures stakeholders are well placed to provide relevant and considered feedback during the PADR consultation period.
Following this decision, TasNetworks must:
- publish the PADR associated with the Waddamana to Palmerston Transfer Capability Upgrade project by 28 February 2026
- consult on this report for a minimum of six weeks
- publish the PACR as soon as practicable consistent with NER clause 5.16A.4.