Network Investments
Endeavour Energy’s major network investments follow the RIT-D process and include a screening process to identify feasible non-network options.
This section provides detail on the major network investments evaluated in the previous year.
Non-network option screening activities in the preceding year
Endeavour Energy screens all major network investments for non-network options.
Screening for non-network options
Endeavour Energy investigates non-network options as part of planning for major network augmentations and asset replacements. This includes determining whether non-network options will be technically and economically feasible in deferring or avoiding network investments and also to utilise market and public consultation in sourcing possible non-network options.
In support of this determination we have conducted feasibility testing of non-network options using the New Technology Master Plan (NTMP) tool.
When screening for non-network options Endeavour Energy considers the following:
Any measure or program targeted at reducing peak demand, including:
- improvement to or additions of automatic control schemes such as direct load control and air conditioner cycling
- energy efficiency programs that target appliances that contribute to peak demand
- the installation of smart meters to accommodate a demand response program
- existing load transfer capacity
- installation of technology capable of reducing peak demand, and
- load curtailment, load shifting or demand response.
Increased local or distributed generation/supply options including:
- capacity for standby power from existing or new embedded generation
- capacity of micro embedded generation, and
- capacity of energy storage systems.
Endeavour Energy understands that credible solutions may include a variety of different measures combined to form one integrated program when determining whether a non-network option could constitute or be part of a credible option.
In determining the feasibility of a non-network option, the analysis focuses on the following areas:
- the ability to address the identified need in terms of the level and timing of demand reduction
- commercially feasibility
- technical feasibility, and
- implementation timeframe to meet the network need.
Screening tests
The network needs and investments screened for non-network options during 2022 are shown in table below.
| Network Need | Description of Network Need | Screening Test Result | Notice date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct | Provide augmented supply capacity to the Westmead Health Precinct including the major hospital and allied health services in the local area. | Non-network options deemed feasible. Publish Non Network Options Report. | March 2022 |
| Supply to the North Camellia area | Provide supply capacity and connection for major customers in the North Camellia area, a dedicated industrial and enterprise area with traditional heavy industry and being redeveloped for new enterprise use. | Non-network options deemed not feasible. Screening Notice published. | April 2022 |
| Supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek area | Provide high capacity supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek areas and augment the existing 33kV supply in the area. | Non-network options deemed not feasible. Screening Notice published. | May 2022 |
| Supply to the Sydney Science Park | Provide supply to the Sydney Science Park area. | Non-network options deemed not feasible. Screening Notice published. | June 2022 |
| Supply to the Aerotropolis Core Precinct | Provide supply to the Aerotropolis Core Precinct in the development area to the north of the proposed Bradfield CBD. | Non-network options deemed not feasible. Screening Notice published. | October 2022 |
| Supply to the Badgerys Creek Enterprise Precinct | Provide supply to the Badgerys Creek enterprise precinct including a major business park and a water recycling facility. | Non-network options deemed not feasible. Screening Notice published. | December 2022 |
Screening test result details
The following section summarises the screening test results.
Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct
The Westmead Health Precinct includes the Westmead public hospital, the Children’s Hospital and allied health and medical services. The precinct is undergoing a major expansion which will result in increasing demand for electricity supply. Endeavour determined that non-network options may be feasible and a Non Network Options Report was issued which provided the requirements for a non-network option. No responses were received. Endeavour Energy will proceed with a network augmentation that will increase supply to the Westmead Health Precinct.
Supply to the North Camellia area
The Camellia-Rosehill precinct is an older industrial area with major customer connection requests from different industries and initial plans for high density housing. Based on a NSW government strategy, the precinct will play an important role as an industry and employment hub within the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsular Economic Corridor. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has released the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy which aims to revitalise the precinct through significant growth in high density dwellings and commercial and light industry land use, in particular the planned Camellia Town Centre close to the Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West stations.
By 2041, it is forecast that the area will host up to 10,000 dwellings and 14,500 new jobs.
The identified need for this investment is ‘reliability corrective action’ because the investment is required to comply with our NER obligations to connect customers.
Our screening test concluded that a non-network solution is unlikely to form a potential credible option on a standalone basis, or form a significant part of a potential credible option in the Camellia supply area. This is due to the extent of forecast demand in the area, the expected cost of non-network options and the capacity of the existing network to facilitate non-network technologies.
Supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek area
The supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek areas is constrained in its ability to supply the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and major customers who require supply at 33kV.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis area is a greenfield development and is a Priority Growth Area for the NSW State Government. The region covers around 11,000 hectares around the planned Western Sydney International ‘Nancy-Bird Walton’ Airport. The development will contribute towards 200,000 new jobs in the Western Parkland City in industries such as technology, logistics, science, creative industries and agribusiness. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) estimates this region will be home for 1.1 million people by 2036.
The identified need for this investment is ‘reliability corrective action’ because investment is required to comply with our NER obligations to connect customers.
Our screening test concluded that a non-network solution is unlikely to form a potential credible option on a standalone basis, or form a significant part of a potential credible option for the area. This is due to the extent of forecast demand in the area, the expected cost of non-network options and the capacity of the existing network to facilitate non-network technologies.
Supply to the Sydney Science Park
The Sydney Science Park is zoned by Government with a mixture of commercial, educational, residential and industrial land uses. It is being developed to create an internationally recognised epicentre for research, development, education, commercialisation and innovation.
The initial development can be serviced by available capacity at the Luddenham zone substation, but this capacity is expected to be exceeded by 2024/25.
The identified need for this investment is ‘reliability corrective action’ because investment is required to comply with our NER obligations to connect customers.
Our screening test concluded that a non-network solution is unlikely to form a potential credible option on a standalone basis, or form a significant part of a potential credible option for the area. This is due to the extent of forecast demand in the area, the expected cost of non-network options and the capacity of the existing network to facilitate non-network technologies.
Supply to the Aerotropolis Core Precinct
The Aerotropolis Core Precinct is within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis with close proximity to the Western Sydney Airport. It is located approximately 2km south of the Western Sydney Airport’s southern boundary.
Based on the proposed land use and zoning it is planned to contain a dense urban development centred around a new central business district (CBD) including the proposed Aerotropolis Metro station. It will incorporate commercial, enterprise, light industry and residential developments with retail and education centres.
The identified need for this investment is ‘reliability corrective action’ because investment is required to comply with our NER obligations to connect customers.
Our screening test concluded that a non-network solution is unlikely to form a potential credible option on a standalone basis, or form a significant part of a potential credible option for the area. This is due to the extent of forecast demand in the area, the expected cost of non-network options and the capacity of the existing network to facilitate non-network technologies.
Supply to the Badgerys Creek Enterprise Precinct
The Badgerys Creek Enterprise Precinct is within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. It is located to the east of the Western Sydney Airport’s eastern boundary.
The precinct is zoned for enterprise land use and will not include any new residential development. This is primarily due to the area being exposed to aircraft noise in the area close to the east of the airport.
The area is expected to include transport and logistics warehouses and light industry based on the close proximity to the new airport for interstate and international air freight and also proximity to major motorways (M4, M7 and planned M12). The area also includes the planned location of a major water recycling facility.
The identified need for this investment is ‘reliability corrective action’ because investment is required to comply with our NER obligations to connect customers.
Our screening test concluded that a non-network solution is unlikely to form a potential credible option on a standalone basis, or form a significant part of a potential credible option for the area. This is due to the extent of forecast demand in the area, the expected cost of non-network options and the capacity of the existing network to facilitate non-network technologies.
Active non-network programs and trials
Endeavour Energy had numerous non-network programs and trials active during 2022, they are listed below:
- Business Park Demand Management Program
- PowerSavers - Digital Customer Engagement Platform
- Off Peak Plus - Albion Park
- Stand Alone Power Supply Trial
- Bawley Point & Kioloa Community Microgrid
- Western Sydney Microgrid Blueprints
- Dynamic Operating Envelopes
- E-Bus Depot Energy Management
- Community Batteries
Business Park Demand Management Program
A demand management program was implemented in the Oakdale Industrial Development Area in 2019. The program concluded in FY22. The program was based on conducting energy audits at industrial customer sites within the target area to identify peak demand reducing initiatives. A customer financial incentive payment was available to customers who implement peak demand reducing initiatives and is based on the level of demand reduction achieved. The service provider for the program was procured from the Non-Network Options Report issued in 2018. The program aimed to defer the construction of South Erskine Park ZS and manage the supply security for the area.
A total of 13 energy audits were completed with approximately 2 MVA of demand reduction opportunities identified which was insufficient to meet the 8.1 MVA target demand reduction and the program ended in March 2022. The program provided customers with education on reducing their peak demand and the impact on network investment. The program also provided Endeavour Energy with insight into customer behaviour and attitudes in large business parks in the transport and logistics business activities and help inform network planning and future demand management programs in the enterprise area of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
PowerSavers - Digital Customer Engagement Platform
PowerSavers introduced a Digital Customer Engagement Platform featuring a web portal, and custombranded iPhone and Android mobile application and trialled this as an innovative approach using a single platform to improve customer engagement, recruitment and management of our portfolio of residential demand management programs
The PowerSavers program for residential customers has been established to manage a range of smart load devices including air-conditioning units, water heaters, EV chargers and assets comprising solar and battery unit combinations.
The expected outcomes include:
- eell developed understanding of participants’ interest in the program and the penetration of controllable devices across the Endeavour Energy network
- capturing actual/estimated energy reduction per customer and the prevailing weather conditions during Event days
- confirming average and total energy reduction for all participants
- identifying any issues captured during the Event period including those who discontinued their participation and archiving of all raw data collected, and
- suitability of the application to be applied more widely across the Endeavour Energy network to manage system demand efficiently with our existing network support resources and services
The trial went live on 31 March 2022 and will operate over a number of years.
Our total customers enrolled in PowerSavers is over 1,300, exceeding the original target of 1,000. For the behavioural demand response program, the average energy reduction per participant achieved was 4.6kWh. For the battery energy storage program, on average, each battery dispatched 5.38kWh of energy during four-hour peak demand periods and each air conditioner control program participant on average saved 5.2kWh per event day throughout the summer period.
Off Peak Plus - Albion Park
In 2021 we launched our Off Peak Plus pilot project, which was a collaboration between a metering provider and ten retailers to proactively transition off peak hot water customers in the Albion Park Zone Substation supply area to smart meters, offering excellent customer benefits while saving investment in old ripple control technology.
We provided a financial incentive to the meter provider / retailers to expedite the bulk meter exchange on the basis that it avoided network investment in a replacement load control system as well as enabled additional benefits such as hot water solar soaking and improved network visibility.
This project transitioned hot water control from a network owned ripple control system to the smart meter. The ripple control system is used to turn on/off all units connected to a zone substation together as a batch with the same time schedule used for all.
Smart meter control allows for more flexible control of the heating times at the individual customer level by sending control signals direct to each meter through the meter providers remote API control interface. Both the network and retailer have access to control each meter, allowing both network management and retailer delivered market services (allowing for new customer offers)
The Off Peak Plus program provides tremendous benefits to customers by soaking up excess solar energy during the day, providing a discount tariff. In addition to the benefits that solar soaking can provide this investment is also an alternate to:
- replacing like for like end-of-life off peak ripple control systems in existing substations
- installing new ripple control systems in a new substation that partially supplies an existing brownfield area where not all customers have transitioned to smart meters yet.
This initiative is scalable to other services such as EV charging and provides us with smart meter information to help guide future investment.
Stand Alone Power Supply Trial
Endeavour Energy is trialling Stand Alone Power Supply systems in relation to emergency response in rural and remote locations impacted by bushfires and storms and also for end-of-life network asset replacement alternatives following economic evaluation. A trial is being conducted in a National Park at Kandos supplying remote holiday accommodation. A supplier for this system has been procured using a non-network options report issued to our register of interested parties. The remote location of the site and the issues of conducting civil and electrical works in a National Park have been key lessons learnt in the trial.
Bawley Point & Kioloa Community Microgrid
The Bawley Point, Kioloa and Termeil communities are located at the southern part of Endeavour Energy’s franchise area. The area is a popular tourist destination, and this means that energy demand can increase four to five-fold during peak holiday periods.
Demand has increased to near capacity with regional permanent population movements, in part due to COVID-19. Additionally, the network is voltage constrained – facing low voltage during peak periods, and high voltage during the low demand periods, which will in the longer-term result in poor power quality and curtailment of customers’ DER.
To assist in addressing emerging network needs, Endeavour Energy had previously installed a 1MVA diesel generator between Bawley Point and Kioloa to supplement the existing network, but this solution faces ongoing operational costs and is aging.
The increasing capabilities and viability of DER - both at a residential and community level - have since made an alternative new technology solution credible when compared to a traditional network solution. This alternative solution would involve the development of a microgrid, with elements co-funded and codesigned with the community.
The major features of the project involve:
- community co-design, and integration of community owned assets
- turnkey supply and installation of a new ~3MVA/3MWh Battery Energy Storage System
- roll out of residential batteries and solar (funded through the NSW Government’s Bushfire Livelihoods Economic Recovery program)
- a Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) to enable control of local generation and storage, and
- demand management programs (smart streetlights, smart metering and Off-Peak Plus), and the integration of larger customer assets to assist in supporting the network.
The aims of the program include:
- Address the vulnerability of the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities’ network reliability and resilience, and to address the growing demand requirements.
- Demonstrate new planning approaches, including how we can partner and work closely with our customers and communities, and utilise participatory design processes.
- Accelerate decarbonisation, through accessing and incentivising sustainable and renewable energy in our network.
- Establish the first microgrid in Endeavour Energy’s network as a new technology solution for edgeof-grid customers, and apply learnings to opportunities in diverse and metropolitan environments.
- Develop a cornerstone project that combines multiple Future Grid technologies such as DERMS, VPPs and community-scale grid batteries.
Endeavour Energy has commenced a number of parallel work streams to progress the project for complete commissioning in mid-2023:
- Community workshops for consultation and behind the meter asset participation design (March 2022 – Ongoing).
- Expressions of interest for subsidised battery or solar systems will close end of August 2022. Installation is expected to start in December 2022.
- Procurement and supply of the grid scale BESS (~3MW/3MWh) to be commissioned early 2023.
- DERMS, Off-Peak Plus and energy efficiency program expecting implementation early 2023.
Western Sydney Microgrid Blueprints
Endeavour Energy commissioned the development of blueprints and project definitions for microgrids with two major clients in Western Sydney. Using a co-design approach with the clients, sustainable and innovative microgrid project definitions were produced. The blueprints explored the interaction between the customer owned and operated energy assets with the network and how a two way flow of energy could be managed to meet the objectives of the clients. The microgrid blueprints have informed the design and provision of network assets in the Western Sydney area to support major customer’s objectives for their own sustainability and innovation objectives.
Dynamic Operating Envelopes
The project comprises multiple trials and demonstrations to eventually calculate and publish operating envelopes for all DER connected to the distribution network.
Endeavour Energy implemented and tested the operating envelope platform in July 2021. Endeavour Energy intends to set real-time operating envelopes for its customer DERs by deploying the software applications and associated services developed.
The aim of the program is to efficiently manage residential customer smart load devices and generation devices by applying operating envelopes to protect the security of the distribution network.
The expected outcomes include:
- the potential to embed the applications and services in the Endeavour Energy Operational Technology environment to support the publishing of operating envelopes for the range and extent of DER across the Endeavour Energy network; and
- common methods to communicate with owners and service providers of virtual power plants (VPP) as they enter the Endeavour Energy franchise area.
The trial commenced in FY20 and concluded on 30 June 2022.
E-Bus Depot Energy Management
Endeavour Energy is collaborating with partners on an innovative trial to integrate electric bus charging with signals from the energy grid. As more electric vehicles join the road, demand for electricity increases, putting added pressure on the grid.
Endeavour Energy has committed to installing 17 distribution transformer monitors to gain full real-time visibility on the upstream low voltage and high voltage network.
This project aims to explore the possibility of dynamically allocating load limits to customers (also known as dynamic operating envelopes), a capability that is only possible with real-time visibility of the network.
The bus depot Vehicle Energy Management and Optimisation (VEMO) software will receive live network data from Endeavour Energy monitoring devices via an API and they perform the calculation of the dynamic operating envelope within the control system.
By implementing smart charging algorithms, the grid can be better utilised to avoid network augmentations, which will help keep downward pressure on the price of electricity for our customers.
Community Batteries
Endeavour is developing partnerships with third parties to investigate options to install smart grid batteries in neighbourhoods to support the network and to provide shared access to customers for storage of rooftop solar generation.
Endeavour is also studying the regulations and guidelines applying to community batteries in a way to bring the benefits of locating community shared batteries into the neighbourhoods of our customers and allowing them to share their own generated electricity.
Public consultation for our major investments
The public consultation for our major network investments occurs through the RIT-D process which includes the issuing of the following reports:
- Non-Network Options Report
- Draft Project Assessment Report, and
- Final Project Assessment Report.
Summary of non-network options reports
The network needs where a Non-network Options Report was published in 2022 are shown in table below
| Network Need | Description of Network Need | Non-Network Options Issue Date | Timing of Constraint | Load Reduction (MVA) | Defer Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct | Provide augmented supply capacity to the Westmead Health Precinct including the major hospital and allied health services in the local area. | March 2022 | FY2024 | 10.0 | 1 or 2 year deferral was sought in the Non Network Option Report |
Summary of draft project assessment reports
The Draft Project Assessment Reports (DPAR) that were published in 2022 in accordance with the RIT-D regulatory requirements are detailed in table below.
| Network Need | Description of Network Need | Preferred Option in the Draft Project Assessment | Status | Notice Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek area | Provide high capacity supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek areas and augment the existing 33kV supply in the area. | Proposed Establishment of a 132/33kV Transmission Substation on Elizabeth Drive. | Published | May 2022 |
| Supply to the North Camellia area | Provide supply capacity and connection for major customers in the North Camellia area, a dedicated industrial and enterprise area with traditional heavy industry and being redeveloped for new enterprise use. | Proposed Establishment of a 132kV Switching Station at North Camellia. | Published | April 2022 |
| Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct | Provide augmented supply capacity to the Westmead Health Precinct including the major hospital and allied health services in the local area. | Proposed Augmentation of the existing Westmead ZS with additional 132/11kV transformer and incoming 132kVfeeder. | Published | June 2022 |
| Supply to the Sydney Science Park | Provide supply to the Sydney Science Park area. | Proposed Establishment of a 132/22kV Zone Substation. | Published | June 2022 |
| Supply to the Aerotropolis Core Precinct | Provide supply to the Aerotropolis Core Precinct in the development area to the north of the proposed Bradfield CBD. | Proposed Establishment of a 132/22kV Zone Substation. | Published | October 2022 |
| Supply to the Badgerys Creek Enterprise Precinct | Provide supply to the Badgerys Creek enterprise precinct including a major business park and a water recycling facility. | Proposed Establishment of a 132/22kV Zone Substation. | Published | December 2022 |
Summary of Final Project Assessment Reports
The Final Project Assessment Reports (FPAR) that were published in 2022 are detailed in below table
| Network Need | Description of Network Need | Preferred Option in the Final Project Assessment | Status | Notice Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek area | Provide high capacity 33kV supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek areas to support major customer connections | Proposed Establishment of a 132/33kV Transmission Substation on Elizabeth Drive with the location central to major customer connections and the areas of Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek. | Published | Jul 2022 |
| Supply to the North Camellia area | Provide supply capacity and connection for major customers in the North Camellia area, a dedicated industrial and enterprise area with traditional heavy industry and being redeveloped for new enterprise use. | Proposed Establishment of a 132kV Switching Station at North Camellia. | Published | Jul 2022 |
| Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct | Provide augmented supply capacity to the Westmead Health Precinct including the major hospital and allied health services in the local area | Proposed Augmentation of the existing Westmead ZS with additional 132/11kV transformer and incoming 132kV feeder. | Published | Oct 2022 |
| Supply to the Sydney Science Park | Provide supply to the Sydney Science Park area. | Proposed Establishment of a 132/22kV Zone Substation. | Published | Oct 2022 |
RIT-D projects completed or in progress
Table below provides a summary of the RIT-D projects which are currently in progress.
| RIT-D Project | RIT-D Status | Cost of Preferred Option ($M) | Construction Timetable | Credible Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Northern Gateway precinct | Plan to release public consultation documents in early 2023. | 30.0 | FY23-FY25 | Construction and commissioning of a new A number of 132kV substation configurations |
| Supply to the Berrima Junction development area | Plan to release a non-network options report in early 2023 | 16.0 | FY23-FY25 | Will be seeking non-network options and evaluate a feasible deferral of Endeavour’s preferred network option |
RIT-D projects with public consultation completed
The consultation process for RIT-D projects where a Final Project Assessment Report was issued in the preceding year is considered to be complete. These projects are detailed in below table
| RIT-D Project | Cost of Preferred Option ($M) | Planned Commissioning Year | Preferred Option | Net economic Benefit ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply to the Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek area | 41.9 | FY24 | Proposed Establishment of a 132/33kV Transmission Substation on Elizabeth Drive with the location central to major customer connections and the areas of Luddenham, Kemps Creek and Badgerys Creek. | 296,000 |
| Supply to the North Camellia area | 13.3 | FY24 | Proposed Establishment of a 132kV Switching Station at North Camellia. | 88,000 |
| Supply to the Westmead Health Precinct | 12.5 | FY24 | Proposed Augmentation of the existing Westmead ZS with additional 132/11kV transformer and incoming 132kV feeder | 49.5 |
| Supply to the Sydney Science Park | 27.4 | FY25 | Proposed Establishment of a 132/22kV Zone Substation. | 5,498.0 |
Asset retirements and potential Regulatory Investment Tests
Asset retirements (project based)
Endeavour Energy has a range of project based planned asset retirements which will result in a system limitation or de-rating. Table below summarises these planned asset retirements for the forward planning period. Some of these needs may be addressed by options that are yet to be determined and which could trigger the requirement to undertake a RIT-D assessment.
| Reference | Asset | Location | Rationale for Retirement | Retirement Date | Change to Retirement Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTM028 | 132kV oil insulated cable | Guildford/Merrylands/ Parramatta | Sheath oil leaks and dissolved gas levels indicating end of life of the cables: 9J8, 22U, 22W, 226, 228, 233. | 2028/29 | Deferred |
| RTM134 | Wollongong - Port Kembla copper pilot cables | Wollongong – Port Kembla | Increased experience of failures at joint boxes leading to Risk to public safety due to slow clearing of feeder faults. | 2028/29 | No |
| RTS167 | Carlingford Transmission Substation control building replacement | Carlingford | Failure of roof of control building. Deterioration of protection and control services. Asbestos contamination of control building. Risk of loss of protection and control. WH&S risks. | 2022/23 | No. Project work commenced following RIT-D completion. |
Asset retirements (program based)
The following list of programs will result in the retirement of various asset types across the Endeavour Energy network. The rationale for the retirement for some asset classes is defined by an economic evaluation in a case for investment and for other asset classes by Endeavour Energy Standards which set out conditions and health indices used to determine the need for the retirement of those assets.
| Reference | Asset | Location | Rationale for Retirement | Retirement Date | Change to Retirement Date in 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAU004 | Substation SCADA Remote Terminal Units | Zone and subtransmission substations | Increasing likelihood of failures leading to loss of control of the substation. Reliability risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS005 | Distribution poles | Across the network | Inspection and test criteria indicating risk of failure Safety risk to the public. Reliability risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS006 | LV CONSAC distribution cables | Across the network | Failures of joints in pillars and columns and of the CONSAC cable. Shock hazards to the public and electricity workers. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS007 | LV service wires | Across the network | Deterioration of insulation. Safety risks to public and electricity workers | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS011 | HV distribution steel mains | Bushfire prone areas | Corrosion of steel conductor indicating failure risk. Risk of initiating a bushfire. Safety risks for the public and electricity workers | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS014 | LV underground cable network | Across the network | Failures of in-ground joints. Shock hazards to customers and electricity workers | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS301 | Distribution ground substations | Across the network | Poor condition of the substation assets. Safety risks due to exposure of conductors and inadequate clearances | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS302 | Distribution transformers | Distribution substations across the network | Poor condition of transformer due to cracked bushings, oil leaks and corrosion. Risk to safety, environment and reliability | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS307 | MD4 epoxy switchgear | Distribution substations across the network | Discharge over surface of resin. Risk of flash-over and substation fire. Safety risk to the public and electricity workers. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS315 | Low voltage switchgear | Distribution substations across the network | Insulation deterioration leading to arc-flash incidents. Safety risk to electricity workers. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS405 | Air break switch | Across the network | Failure of switchgear resulting in inability to be operated. Safety risks to electricity workers and the public. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS415 | LV mains | Across the network | Deterioration of insulation. Safety risk to public and electricity workers. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RDS417 | Distribution access track reconstruction | Across the network | Access tracks in deteriorated condition which are unsafe for use. Safety, reliability and environmental risks. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RPS008 | Substation electro-mechanical, electronic and early numerical protection relays | Zone and subtransmission substations | Increased risk of malfunction. Reliability risk. Safety risk to the public. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTM012 | Sub-transmission poles | Across the network | Failure of inspection and test criteria with risk of failure. Safety risk to the public. Reliability risk | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTM014 | Renewal of 33kV and 66kV gas and oil filled cables | Carlingford and Outer Harbour | Poor oil and paper condition indicating end of life. Reliability risk. | 2025/26 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTM015 | Sub-transmission steel towers | Across the network | Corrosion of steel structures indicating risk of failure. Safety and reliability risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTM171 | Corroded overhead steel earthwires | Across the network | Corrosion of steel earthwire indicating risk of failure. Bushfire start risk. Safety risk to the public. Reliability risk. | 2023/24 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTM174 | Hardex earthwires | Across the network | Risk of burn-down during faults. Safety risk due to the public due to slow clearing of faults and due to conductors down. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS004 | 132kV circuit breakers | Zone and subtransmission substations | Poor diagnostic test results and defect history indicating destructive failure risk. Reliability and safety risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS005 | 33kV circuit breakers | Zone and subtransmission substations | Poor diagnostic test results and defect history indicating destructive failure risk. Reliability and safety risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS007 | 11kV circuit breakers | Zone and subtransmission substations | Poor diagnostic test results and defect history indicating destructive failure risk Reliability and safety risk | 2039/40 | Deferred due to reassessment of risk |
| RTS008 | Substation batteries | Zone and subtransmission substations | Deteriorating test results. Risk of failure and loss of protection systems at the substation. Reliability risk as substation is remotely switched off until battery is replaced and control restored. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS009 | Auxiliary switchgear | Zone and subtransmission substations | Risk of catastrophic failure. Reliability and safety risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS015 | Surge arresters | Zone and subtransmission substations | Breakdown of seals on porcelain housing, moisture ingress leading to failure. Reliability and safety risk | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS016 | VT and CTs | Zone and subtransmission substations | Oil leaks, degradation of seals, corrosion leading to risk of destructive failure. Reliability and safety risk | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS055 | 66kV circuit breakers | Zone and subtransmission substations | Poor diagnostic test results and defect history indicating destructive failure risk. Reliability and safety risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS086 | Busbars, disconnectors and/or support structures | Zone and subtransmission substations | Corrosion of reinforcing steel and cracking of support insulators indicate risk of failure. Reliability and safety risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS173 | 11kV oil circuit breaker trucks | Zone substations | Risk of failure to clear faults leading to catastrophic failure. Reliability risk. Safety risk for electricity workers. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
| RTS600 | Power transformers | Zone and subtransmission substations | Poor paper insulation, bushing and tap changer condition, oil condition indicates risk of failure. Reliability risk. | 2022/23 - 2030/31 | No |
Urgent and unforeseen investments
There are currently no issues which are sufficiently urgent or unforeseen that they have not been able to be addressed through the normal investment planning process.
However, during 2022 Endeavour Energy’s network sustained substantial damage caused by heavy rainfall during much of the year, particularly in the first six months of 2022. Endeavour Energy conducted substantial fault and emergency repair to recover from these events.
The floods of 2021-2022
There have been three State of Emergency Declarations in NSW for Floods which destroyed 600 homes and 300 businesses across our network area. 2022 is predicted to be the wettest year on record for Sydney.
To adapt to the changing climate, targeted solutions are required to ensure a safe, affordable and reliable network service is provided. Ultimately, a more resilient network will be required to maintain reliability as extreme weather events become more common and severe.
Preparing for climate risk
Endeavour Energy is planning for climate related risks to avoid future urgent and unforeseen investment requirements that may result from the climate. Some of the risks and mitigations are provided below:
Bushfire risk
High Bushfire Danger days represent weather conditions which are conducive to conditions to sustain/support fires if they occur. With the moderate increase in bushfire danger days, bushfires started from external sources are more likely, resulting in more frequent impact to the network.
We have assessed the cost of proactively assessing segment-by-segment bare conductors and replacing them with covered conductor. Targeted conducted strengthening is cost justified in higher risk areas, specifically 212km of our network.
We have also assessed improving resilience to bushfires through the proactive replacement of timber poles in bushfire prone areas with non-combustible poles (concrete or composite). We currently have 113,000 poles in bushfire risk areas
Flood risk
Endeavour Energy has been impacted by multiple large scale flooding events, with 2022 likely to be the wettest year on record. Four significant flood events have occurred in the past 15 months (March 2021; March 2022; April 2022; July 2022).
Electricity supply must be isolated due to rising water impacting overhead conductors, interrupting thousands of customers. By raising low sections of conductors supply can be maintained for longer periods or indefinitely for people in flood affected areas. We have identified 18 Feeders (HV and Transmission) which were significantly impacted by flooding which cover several areas across our network.
In addition to raising conductors, we have considered the replacement of individual poles, feeder sections, re-tensioning lines, replacement of conductors over river crossings and installation of automated switches to manage this risk.
Extreme heat risk
A large number of hot days, especially consecutive hot days, means our network is at risk of not being able to ensure consistent supply to our customers. This is due to overloading of single feeders, but also a reduced ability to transfer load to adjacent feeders (due to them also being simultaneously overloaded in widespread extreme conditions).
This would result in potentially large scale outages, load shedding or long duration outages at times when customers are vulnerable to the health impacts of prolonged heatwaves.
We have considered gradual adjustments to investment to address the risk of feeders getting overloaded causing tripping. There are a number of solutions such as re-configuring feeders to shift load, implementing load reduction initiatives (such as battery support) and augmenting the network to replace circuit breakers, conductors, transformers and fuses.
We note the latter option is typically cost prohibitive and we are keen to prioritise non-network alternatives.
Wind risk
High wind intensity and frequency will lead to increased outages due to the increased possibility of conductors clashing or vegetation being blown into the mains.
Similar to bushfire risk, bare conductors have a higher probably of being impacted by vegetation and clashing under extreme winds where tension has not been maintained. Recently, we have installed 1500 LV spreaders, which even under impact of an external object, help to separate phases and reduce the probably of a phase-to-phase fault. We are now exploring the roll out of HV spreaders within our network.
We will also re-assess our covered conductor program to determine additional cost-justified locations and consider this initiative as a supplement to the specified investment.
Endeavour Energy has received expert advice to administer caution when it comes to current climate modelling as it applies to wind at a localised level. To ensure prudent and unbiased investments, Endeavour Energy will wait until the modelling has become more mature before it proposing any large-scale interventions to improve resilience to high wind events
Community resilience and innovation
We understand the vital role we play in supporting and servicing our customers. Part of this is seeing what we can do to best serve our customers, and in terms of resilience this means:
- Provide readily accessed information regarding outages
- Keep customers informed to our plans
- Consult with customers
- Providing a service level they expect
Our community resilience approach encompasses:
- Continue our support and partnership with local councils to help deliver best outcomes during a local emergency.
- Exploring new investments with councils and other utilities to best support the community during an event
- Aiding / partnering with councils to ensure future climate hazards are incorporated in their plans
These actions will involve collaborating on local emergency management plans, reviewing communication protocols and resources, developing education programs and developing local resilience hubs.
The latter is a new concept that involves partnering with local councils to identify sites where people gather in the event of an emergency. For these sites, we could partner with councils to ensure a consistent electricity supply is available during an emergency. This will likely involve the deployment of local generation and/or batteries
We have identified up to 200 potential sites with an initial plan focussing on 34 sites (1 per urban LGA, 2 per non-urban LGA).
Information technology investment
Below table provides information on the investment in information technology systems within the network for the preceding year and that proposed for the forward planning period.
| Project Name | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Optimus Program | 2018/2019 onwards | This program includes a refresh and consolidation of 40 information systems including the ERP and Billing platforms, rationalisation of applications, improving data and reshaping operations and processes. The establishment of a modern technology platform will improve productivity and safety outcomes. |
| Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) | 2018/19 onwards | This program aims to provide Endeavour Energy with an Advanced Distribution Management System to provide an end to end integrated real-time view of the entire distribution network. The program will replace the company’s existing OMS system and enable efficiencies and safety improvements in field operations. Additionally, through the greater understanding and control of the Endeavour Energy network this program will enable customers to take up smart technologies and renewable sources of energy. |
| Lights Up Program | 2019/20 onwards | The Lights Up program has delivered enhanced software, new hardware and improved customer-support technology. The program delivered tools such as Office365 and Windows 10 and refreshed network and infrastructure hardware to support Optimus and ADMS programs. A technology capital program extends this project underpinned by a new technology strategy |
| Copperleaf | 2019/20 onwards | A software tool for asset investment planning decision support (Predictive Analytics) and portfolio optimisation (Copperleaf Portfolio) |