Connecting New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria

ENERGYCONNECT FACTSHEET

A new electricity interconnector is proposed between Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Robertstown in South Australia, with an additional smaller connection to Victoria. TransGrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect. Why is this project needed? What are the project benefits? The Australian energy landscape is transitioning If approved, EnergyConnect would deliver a range to a greater mix of renewables. To support this of direct benefits for consumers in New South Wales, transition, the national electricity grid needs to South Australia, and Victoria including: change to connect new energy generation sources Lower prices to Australian communities and businesses. At the same time, customers are demanding lower power • Typical residential electricity bills are estimated bills and a more secure and reliable service. to be reduced annually by $30 in NSW • Typical small business electricity bills are estimated What is the project? to be reduced annually by $71 in NSW. EnergyConnect involves the construction of a Energy security transmission line connecting New South Wales and • Enables a greater mix of renewable energy South Australia, with connection into Victoria. The generation to connect to the network proposed interconnector would be around 900km long and run between Wagga Wagga in NSW and • Increases reliability and security of Robertstown in SA. electricity supply. The interconnector is a key element of the Increased economic activity and jobs Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated • Creates 1,500 jobs in NSW System Plan and the New South Wales Government has declared it Critical State Significant Infrastructure. • $4 billion net economic benefit in NSW • Unlocks development of new energy projects.

What is an interconnector? An electricity interconnector is a connection that allows power to flow between regions in the National Energy Market, providing access to a larger number of electricity generators.

Connect 1800 49 06 66 | [email protected] with us transgrid.com.au/energyconnect

MAY 2020 SOUTH AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES Robertstown Buronga Sydney

Wagga Wagga Adelaide Red Cliffs Canberra

VICTORIA

Legend

Potential interconnector route Western segment Eastern segment

How we work Initial studies of a potential project corridor are We will continue to engage with communities along underway to understand environmental, social the proposed route throughout the life of the project, and engineering considerations as well as including meetings with relevant landholders. stakeholder perspectives for the project. These discussions will continue as feedback is TransGrid has been seeking feedback on a collected and the route is further refined. potential route between the NSW/SA border and Have your say online at: Wagga Wagga since 2019, and is committed to www.transgrid.com.au/energyconnect open and transparent engagement across all phases of the project.

Key project dates Community Western and landholder Environmental Impact Western Project engagement Statement (EIS) on construction commissioning underway public exhibition commencement underway Q4 2019 Late 2020 Late 2021 By 2023

2018–19 Q4 2019 Mid 2021 Early 2022 Preliminary Expected regulatory Eastern Eastern investigations and determination by the EIS on construction project scoping Australian Energy public commencement Regulator exhibition