Over 100 QLD electricity consumers and industry representatives have attended the recently held Powerlink Transmission Network Forum.
Forum attendees were given an overview of Powerlink’s Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR), providing an insight into future energy and demand forecasts, network development and transmission projects.
Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive, Merryn York, said growth in energy and demand over the next ten years would be relatively flat.
“The TAPR indicates that summer maximum demand is forecast to increase at an average rate of 0.9 per cent per annum over the next ten years,” Ms York said.
“The LNG industry continues to be a strong contributor to forecast growth. Without the impact of LNG, forecast demand would increase at an average of 0.2 per cent per annum.
“This is the first year we have made our energy and demand forecasting model publicly available. We wanted to make our model as transparent as possible so stakeholders could clearly see the inputs we have used in our forecasts to better inform their decision making.”
The forum adopted a new format, with the TAPR presentation followed by concurrent breakout sessions covering key topics of interest that Powerlink was seeking input on.
“Powerlink recognises the importance of engaging with our customers, consumers and industry representatives to ensure we continue to deliver a valued service,” Ms York said.
“The forum brought together some of our most important stakeholders, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to get their input on key areas of our business.
“The three breakout sessions involved interactive discussions on our upcoming Revenue Proposal to the regulator, optimising our network planning and how we can best consider new technology in our energy and demand forecasts.
“We received great feedback that will improve our decision-making and ensure we continue to provide a safe, cost effective and reliable supply of electricity across Queensland.”
