Pillar 2: Drive connections and load

Highlights from the past year include:

Battery innovation

We launched our first trial network battery in February 2023 at Sovereign Hills, near Port Macquarie. Developed in partnership with AGL, the network battery is increasing the amount of rooftop solar generation local customers can export to the network. It captures and stores excess locally produced renewable energy, for release into the network when needed.

Increased network capacity

Changing the network from 240V to 230V will improve network capacity without needing significant investment. It means customers with solar panels and other renewables can export more energy into the network while Essential Energy maintains a safe and stable power supply. Following a successful trial at the Taree zone substation during 2022-23 this change will be rolled out across the entire network over the coming five years.

Enabling greater exports and network use

By offering more flexible connection agreements to customers with loads and generation that can be ramped up or down on command, we are able to better use the existing network, allow more of our customers’ generation to be exported back into the network and enable new customer connections to be delivered more efficiently. These agreements and technologies were developed during 2022-23 and are expected to grow substantially in use over the coming years.

Enabling high voltage customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

We are trialling zero export generation options for high voltage customers who want to minimise their greenhouse gas emissions or electricity consumption by installing on-site green generation technologies. We aim to reduce both the cost and time needed to effect the change.

Special Activation Precincts

We continue to provide connection assistance to the Special Activation Precincts (SAPs) in Wagga Wagga, Parkes, Moree and Snowy Mountains. Each SAP will offer a range of connection options to meet demands such as manufacturing loads, waste to energy generation facilities, solar farms, energy storage systems and intensive agricultural facilities. By working closely with the NSW Government we are helping to drive economic growth and prosperity in regional NSW whilst strengthening our network.

South Jerrabomberra high voltage supply project

The South Jerrabomberra High Voltage Supply project will deliver electricity to the new South Jerrabomberra development area. We expect this to include 1,500 residential lots and a business park, industrial estate, innovation precinct, regional sports complex and new high school. The development will also house NSW’s third Regional Job Precinct to create regional economic opportunities and job growth in the area. Construction commenced in March 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Large-scale renewable generation connections

During 2022-23, four large-scale renewable energy generation facilities were connected to our network: West Wyalong Solar Farm (90 MW), Wyalong Solar Farm (53 MW), Latitude Solar Farm (5 MW) and Sundown Pastoral Solar Farm (5 MW).