Retirement of Sadadeen 22 kV switchboard
Consultation period extended
The consultations closing date has been updated and will now extend to Thursday, 29 January 2026. Please keep sending your feedback to capex.development@powerwater.com.au .
Power and Water Corporation is inviting feedback on the proposed retirement of the 22 kV switchboard at Sadadeen zone substation in Alice Springs. The switchboard is nearing end-of-life, presenting significant safety, reliability, and operational risks to the local electricity network.
This determination, made under clause 5.17.4(c) of the Northern Territory National Electricity Rules, outlines why no credible non-network options exist to meet the identified need. A detailed review of possible alternatives - including battery storage, demand management, and generation - found none were feasible or sufficient.
Power and Water has identified a preferred network solution that involves retiring the switchboard and installing new 22 kV cables to bypass it. This option provides long-term value, avoids stranded assets, and enhances reliability for customers south of The Gap.
Due to the estimated cost being below the Australian Energy Regulators (AER) $12 million threshold, Power and Water has now published the Final Project Assessment Report under clause 5.17.4(n) of the Northern Territory National Electricity Rules.
Consultation documents and related resources
Final Project Assessment Report – Retirement of Sadadeen 22 kV switchboard
Final Project Assessment Report published under clause 5.17.4(n) of the NT National Electricity Rules. It explains the need to retire the end-of-life Sadadeen 22 kV switchboard and outlines the preferred network option (two new 22 kV cables) and supporting cost–benefit assessment.
Non-network options - Retirement of Sadadeen 22 kV switchboard
Notice of Determination under clause 5.17.4(c) of the Northern Territory National Electricity Rules.
We’re inviting proposals from non-network providers (e.g., demand response, storage, embedded generation) to address an identified network need. This notice sets out the need, minimum service/performance requirements, technical and connection criteria, available data, and how to lodge a response.
NT National Electricity Rules (NTNER)
Direct link to the NT version of the National Electricity Rules for this section. View the current, consolidated rule text maintained by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to confirm obligations, definitions and process steps.
How to provide feedback
Power and Water has published the Final Project Assessment Report – Retirement of Sadadeen 22 kV switchboard for stakeholder review. This report outlines the identified need, the options assessed, and the preferred option. The earlier Non-network options notice is also available for review.
To provide feedback:
- Download and review the Final Project Assessment Report.
- Refer to the Non-network options notice if you would like additional background.
- Email your submission to capex.development@powerwater.com.au by Thursday, 29 January 2026.
- To help us assess submissions efficiently, please reference the relevant section of the report and outline your suggested amendment or alternative approach.
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