ElectraNet pulls the plug on its probe into voltage control

ElectraNet has axed an inquiry into how to prevent voltage collapse in the northern industrial region of SA’s grid.

Electricity transmission company ElectraNet has axed an ­inquiry it launched last year into how to prevent voltage collapse in the northern industrial region of South Australia’s wind-reliant grid, but is continuing a separate study for greater interconnection with the eastern states.

This comes as transmission operators such as ElectraNet could soon be required to invest in big batteries or other heavy duty equipment to help stabilise the power grid.

The national body that sets the rules in the national electricity market, the Australian Energy Market Commission, says the system has been weakened by the rapid take-up of wind and solar generation and the retirement of thermal generators.

The AEMC has proposed a range of solutions including requiring each state’s transmission network to provide and maintain at all times a defined level of ­inertia, the force that helps keep supply stable if one generator is compromised.

ElectraNet told The Weekend Australian it had this month cancelled a study into the need for improved voltage control in the northern SA region, resulting from the closure in May of the coal-fired Northern Power ­Station.

The Northern Voltage Control RIT-T was a public economic cost-benefit test of “credible” ­options, with a project speci­fication consultation report released in August and submissions due by November 4.

An ElectraNet spokesman last year said several submissions had been received and the next consultation report was planned for release “in the second quarter of 2017”.

The submissions were never released, however, and yesterday an ElectraNet spokeswoman said after speaking with BHP Billiton and Oz Minerals, along with the Australian Energy Market Operator, the project was cancelled.

“ElectraNet received new information from customers in late December ... (and) is now of the opinion that voltage control in the northern South Australia ­region, based on the dynamic characteristics and forecast of customer demand, meets the ­requirements of the National Electricity Rules,” she said.

However, a separate South Australian energy transformation study will proceed to a second stage project assessment.

Under this plan, four options for a new interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states are being considered at a cost of up to $2.5 billion as ElectraNet warns its customers will be paying $500 million a year more for ­electricity than those in other states.

The quest for grid stability comes as the Weatherill government continues to spruik its $550m “self-sufficient” energy plan with a $500,000 advertising campaign to run over the next month.