IPART, the state’s electricity network regulator, has launched an investigation into the safety and reliability of transmission infrastructure supplying Broken Hill and surrounding areas.
This follows the collapse of seven transmission towers and recent power outages to the town and surrounding areas.
IPART’s investigation will include Transgrid’s compliance with licence conditions and other obligations under the Electricity Supply Act 1995 and Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014.
The investigation will also consider Transgrid’s management of its assets, including the transmission towers and backup generators and whether the current failures of supply at Broken Hill breach the reliability standards included in its licence.
Licences for the distribution and transmission of electricity are granted by the Minister for Energy and IPART monitors compliance with those licences, which include conditions in relation to the safe and reliable operation of the network.
Energy network operators have the ultimate responsibility to comply with their obligations, however IPART holds them accountable on behalf of the community to ensure those networks are safe and reliable.
Enforcement powers in the event of a breach of licence conditions include directing remedial actions, financial penalties of up to $250,000 or cancellation of the licence.
IPART will undertake this investigation as swiftly as possible while ensuring the integrity of the investigation process. The Terms of Reference for the investigation are available from IPART’s website.
IPART expects Transgrid to fully cooperate with its investigation.
Media Contact: Mark O’Brien, 0427 105 865, media@ipart.nsw.gov.au