On 17 December 2024, we published our draft decision on the application from APA Group to convert the services of the Basslink interconnector from a market network service to a prescribed transmission service.
We invite stakeholders to provide submissions on this draft decision. Submissions should be sent to: resetcoord
aer [dot] gov [dot] au (resetcoord[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au).
On 30 August 2024, we released a Consultation Paper in respect to APA Group's application to convert the Basslink interconnector from a market network service to a prescribed transmission service.
The Consultation Paper is supported by ACIL Allen's modelling report, available on our website.
Concurrently, we have released a revised Commencement and Process Paper that sets out the updated timeframe and process that will apply to Basslink.
On 10 November 2023, we released an Issues Paper for the Basslink interconnector conversion application and revenue determination. Submissions in response to the Issues Paper are available on our website.
Updated Regulatory Proposal
In October 2024 APA Group provided a revised proposed opening regulatory asset base value and revised cost allocation methodology, available on our website.
Background
Basslink is a 500 MW undersea transmission cable which links Loy Yang in Victoria to George Town in Tasmania. In 2022, APA Group acquired Basslink Pty Ltd, the owner and operator of Basslink.
In December 2022, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) implemented a rule change which allows us to make a transmission determination for a network service provider that has applied to us seeking to convert its network services to prescribed transmission services.
On 19 May 2023, APA Group lodged an application:
- to convert Basslink’s network services from market network services to prescribed transmission services
- requesting us to commence, and determine, the process of making a transmission determination for Basslink.
Lodging the request to convert means that Basslink is an ‘Intending TNSP’ under rule 6A.9 of the National Electricity Rules (NER). An Intending TNSP may ask us to commence the process of making a transmission determination.
On 14 July 2023, the AER published its decision to commence a transmission determination process for Basslink and the Commencement and Process Paper outlining the process that will apply for this determination.