The Regulatory Investment Test (RIT) is a cost benefit analysis overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). The purpose of a RIT is to identify the preferred network or non-network option to deliver the greatest economic benefit to market. The process also makes sure investment decisions are in the long term interests of customers.
It assesses the economic and technical impact of major network investments in the national energy market above $6 million.
There are three broad stages we follow if a RIT is required for investment*.
Current regulatory investment test projects
To get involved in the following RIT-T and RIT-D projects, please contact AusNet via rittconsultations@ausnetservices.com.au or ritdconsultations@ausnetservices.com.au.
Access to historical RIT-T or RIT-D reports for closed projects can also be provided via email.
AusNet is applying the RIT to the following projects listed below:
Regulatory investment test for transmission
| Title | Identified Need | Location | Report | Consultation Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tower replacement on the Heywood to Alcoa Portland 500kV line | Maintain Safety & Assist Safety Objectives as per Mission Zero | Heywood Terminal Station to Alcoa Portland Smelter |
Project Specification Consultation Report
Project Assessment Draft Report Project Assessment Conclusions Report |
3 May 2024 11 Oct 2024 N/A |
| Maintain reliable transmission network services at South Morang Terminal Station |
Maintain reliable transmission network services at South Morang Terminal Station | South Morang Terminal Station (SMTS) |
Project Specification Consultation Report Project Assessment Draft Report |
30 Aug 2024 24 October 2025 |
| Maintain reliable transmission network services at Keilor Terminal Station | Maintain reliable transmission network services at Keilor Terminal Station | Keilor Terminal Station | Project Specification Consultation Report Project Assessment Draft Report |
3 Oct 2024 30 Jun 2025 |
| Transmission Insulator Replacement 500kV & 220kV |
Network reliability and safety of the Transmission network |
Hazlewood, La Trobe Valley, East Melbourne, Heywood, Portland | Project Specification Consultation Report Project Assessment Conclusions Report |
23 June 2025 17 September 2025 |
| Maintaining supply reliability in the South Morang supply area |
Maintain electricity supply reliability and reduce expected unserved energy |
South Morang Terminal Station |
Project Specification Consultation Report | 30 September 2025 |
| Tranche1 Rectification Low Spans Priority Sites |
Minimise the risks associated with low clearance spans on transmission network to ‘as far as practicable’ levels. |
Transmission Lines multiple circuits |
Project Specification Consultation Report |
18/02/2026 |
Regulatory investment test for distribution
| Title | Identified Need | Location | Report | Consultation Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REFCL Lilydale Zone Substation Augmentation |
Upgrade REFCL capacity at Lilydale Zone Substation |
Lilydale Zone Substation |
n/a |
|
| Secure supply and enable connections: East Gippsland | Secure supply and enable connections in the East Gippsland network |
East Gippsland sub transmission loop |
Options Screening Report Draft Project Assessment Report |
16 May 2025 09 January 2026 |
| Secure supply and enable connections: East Cranbourne | Secure supply and enable connections in the East Cranbourne network |
East Cranbourne sub transmission loop |
Options Screening Report Draft Project Assessment Report Final Project Assessment Report |
16 May 2025 5 September 2025 N/A |
| KMS 22kV Indoor Switch room replacement |
Ensure switch room safety and supply reliability in Kilmore area |
Kilmore South Zone Substation |
Notice of Determination |
N/A |
| Baw Baw Shire (WGL31) |
Demand Driven Augmentation |
Baw Baw |
Option Screening Report |
22 December 2025 |
| Bairnsdale REFCL Augmentation |
Upgrade REFCL capacity at Bairnsdale Zone Substation |
Bairnsdale Zone Substation |
Notice of Determination Draft Project Assessment Report |
N/A 12 December 2025 |
| Nagambie (SMR11) |
Demand Driven Augmentation |
Nagambie |
Option Screening Report |
5 January 2026 |
| Secure Supply and Enable Connections for Beveridge Area |
Demand Driven Augmentation |
Beveridge |
Options Screening Report |
23 January 2026 |
Consultations
To get involved in RIT projects, please contact AusNet via rittconsultations@ausnetservices.com.au
Further information is also available in the Energy Networks Australia RIT-T handbook.
Projects exempt from RIT
Under transitional provisions in the National Electricity Rules, the following in-flight projects are exempt from the Regulatory Investment Test.
| Project name | Location | Scope of work summary | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD1000 RTU at Zone Substations | FTR, FGY, BWN, BGE, ELM, RWN, LDL, CLN, EPG, BRA, BN and BWA | Install and commission the RTU and local HMI. Connect RTU to all existing IEDs at these ZSS via their communication protocols e.g. DNP3, Modbus, IEC103 etc. Separate common alarms. Decommission existing RTU | 2023 |
| Power Station Closure Works | HWPS | Mandatory compliance works, including various civil and electrical works related with closure of power station | 2023 |
| Switchyard Redevelopment 220kV at Terminal Station | HWPS | Replace the remaining 220kV Bulk Oil Circuit Breakers and install remote operated isolators | 2022 |
| Power Station Rebuild | YPS | Replace 66/11kV transformer, circuit breakers and other primary equipment | 2022 |
| Redevelopment at Terminal Station | WMTS | Replace 220/66kV transformers, 220kV switch bays, 66kV switch bays and all protection and control systems. Retire two 220/22kV transformers and the 22 kV supply from WMTS | 2022 |
| Circuit Breakers 500kV at Terminal Station | HYTS | Replace deteriorated 500kV switchgear | 2022 |
| Static Var Compensator Control and Relays | ROTS | Install thyristors, controllers and cooling system on second SVC, and protection relay panels for both SVCs. Decommission old equipment. Replace reactors, capacitor cans, instrument transformers and faulty bus support insulators for both SVCs. Replace connections, and if found to be an issue, sections of bus-work |
2022 |
| CCTV Upgrades at Terminal Stations | DDTS, ROTS, KTS, SMTS, HWTS, LYPS, JLTS | Upgrade CCTV surveillance |
2022 |
| Primary and Secondary assets at Terminal Stations | TBTS, RCTS, TTS, MWTS, EPSY, LY | Replace 66kV CB CT and Isolators at all locations, 220kV CT CVTs at TBTS, EPSY, and 11kV and 22kV fuse isolators at RCTS and TBTS | 2022 |
| Circuit Breakers 500kV at Terminal Stations | LYPS, HWTS | Replace 500kV circuit breakers | 2021 |
| Circuit breakers 220/66kV at Terminal Station | FBTS | Replace B4 220/66kV transformer. Replace 220kV and 66kV circuit breakers | 2021 |
| REFCL Tranche 2 | RWN, ELM, FGY, WOTS, MOE, BGE, LDL, BDL | Install REFCL equipment at each zone substation | 2021 |
Completed RIT submissions
Completed Regulatory Investment Tests for Transmission
| Project name | Identified Need | Location | Report | Consultation Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage control in North West Victoria | Corrective Action Reliability | Horsham Terminal Station |
Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1285 KB) Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 758 KB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 915 KB) |
15 Jun 2021 3 Sep 2020 N/A |
| Maintaining supply reliability in the Cranbourne supply area | Maintain Supply Reliability | Cranbourne Terminal Station | Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 916KB) Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1.9 MB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 2 MB) |
25 Sep 2020 8 Aug 2022 N/A |
| Maintaining supply reliability in the Shepparton and Goulburn Murray area | Maintain Supply Reliability | Shepparton Terminal Station |
Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 1043KB) Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1118KB) Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 951KB) |
4 Nov 2021 23 Jul 2021 18 Mar 2021 |
| Maintain reliable transmission network services at Sydenham Terminal Station | Maintain Supply Reliability | Sydenham Terminal Station |
Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1211KB) Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 636KB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 882KB) |
4 Oct 2021 15 Mar 2021 22 Nov 2021 |
| Maintain reliable transmission network services at Moorabool Terminal Station | Maintain Supply Reliability | Moorabool Terminal Station |
Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 551KB) Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1.2MB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 1 MB) |
23 June 2022 7 October 2022 N/A |
| Tower Strengthening: Murray Switching Station to Dederang Terminal Station |
Corrective Action Reliability | Murray Switching Station (MSS) to Dederang Terminal Station | Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 371KB) | 22 July 2022 |
| South West Network Communications Replacement |
Maintain Supply Reliability | Moorabool Terminal Station, Haunted Gully Terminal Station, Mortlake Power Station, Tarrone Terminal Station, Heywood Terminal Station, Alcoa Portland, Terang Terminal Station |
Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 371KB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 609 KB) |
18 August 2022 21 November 2022 |
| Maintain reliable transmission network services from Redcliffs Terminal Station |
Maintain reliable transmission network services from Redcliffs Terminal Station |
Redcliffs Terminal Station |
Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 849 KB) Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 984 KB) Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 1 MB) |
7 March 2023 5 July 2023 N/A |
| Tower Strengthening: Murray Switching Station to Dederang Terminal Station |
Apply corrective actions to towers across freeways along Murray Switching Station to Dederang Terminal Station (MSS-DDTS) to minimise the hazards and risks to the safety of any person as far as reasonably practicable. This action complies with its regulatory obligation to the Electricity Safety Act 1998 |
Murray Switching Station to Dederang Terminal Station |
Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 1 MB) |
1 November 2023 |
| Transmission Line Insulator Replacement Program |
Maintain Safety & Supply Reliability |
Transmission lines multiple circuits |
Project Specification Consultation Report (PDF, 555 KB) Project Assessment Draft Report (PDF, 1 MB) |
13 September 2022 3 November 2023 |
| Transmission Line Insulator Replacement Program |
Address the risk of insulator failure through a condition-based replacement program |
Multiple transmission line circuits |
Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PDF, 935 KB) |
6 November 2023 |
| Connection Enablement: Wodonga–Barnawartha in North-Eastern Victoria | Address sub-transmission constraints to enable more renewable generation connections |
Wodonga subtransmission loop |
Project Specification Consultation Report |
1st May 2024 16th August 2024 N/A |
| Conductor & Ground Wire Replacement | Maintain Supply Reliability |
Transmission Lines multiple circuits |
22nd July 2022 31st May 2023 |
|
| Maintaining reliable 330/220 kV transformation network services at South Morang Terminal Station | Maintaining reliable 330/220 kV transformation network services at South Morang Terminal Station |
South Morang Terminal Station |
Project Specification Consultation Report |
15 Nov 2024 11 April 2025 n/a |
| Maintaining supply reliability in the Cranbourne supply area | Maintain Supply Reliability | Cranbourne Terminal Station | Project Specification Consultation Report Project Assessment Draft Report Project Assessment Conclusions Report |
10 Jan 2025 18 July 2025 N/A |
Completed Regulatory Investment Tests for Distribution
| Project name | Identified Need | Location | Report | Consultation Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REFCL Tranche 3 | Reliability Corrective Action | REFCL Tranche 3 |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1034KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1107KB) Notice of Determination> (PDF, 393KB) |
2 June 2021 27 April 2021 N/A |
| Service constraints at Warragul (WGL) Zone Substation |
Service Constraints | Warragul |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 847KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 813KB) Non-Network Options Report (PDF, 706KB) |
N/A 05 April 2022 31 May 2021 |
| Service constraints at Benalla (BN) Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Benalla |
Final Project Assessment Report Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 693 KB) Non-Network Options Report (PDF, 902KB) |
N/A 7 September 2022 1 July 2021 |
| Service constraints at Thomastown (TT) Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Thomastown |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 729 KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 637KB) Non-Network Options Report (PDF, 1045KB) |
N/A 15 September 2022 21 July 2021 |
| Service constraints at Traralgon (TGN) Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Traralgon |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 577 KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 654KB) Non-Network Options Report (PDF, 991KB) |
N/A 04 October 2022 20 August 2021 |
| Service constraints at Clyde North Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Clyde North |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1011KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1.4MB) Non-Network Options Report (PDF, 1.3MB) |
N/A 22 April 2022 27 August 2021 |
| Service constraints at Maffra Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Maffra |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 642KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 654KB) Notice of Determination Report (PDF, 671KB) |
N/A 5 April 2022 N/A |
| 22kV Feeders Fuse Savers Program | Reliability Corrective Action | REFCL Tranche 1 & 2 |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 281KB) Notice of Determination (PDF, 192KB) |
31 May 2022 N/A |
| Service constraints at Bayswater Zone Substation | Service Constraints | Bayswater |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 617 KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1038KB) Notice of Determination Report (PDF, 902KB) |
N/A 31 May 2022 N/A |
| 3G Modem Replacement Program | Maintain Supply Reliability | AusNet Distribution Network |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1397KB Notice of Determination (PDF, 582KB) |
5 June 2022 N/A |
| Expulsion Drop Out Fuse Replacement Project | Reliability and safety improvement | AusNet Distribution Network |
Notice of Determination Report (PDF, 439KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 645KB) Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 373 KB) |
N/A 3 October 2022 N/A |
| Distribution Bare Conductor Replacement | Maintain Supply Reliability and Safety | AusNet Distribution Network |
Notice of Determination Report (PDF, 373KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1 MB) Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 1 MB) |
N/A 25 November, 2022 N/A |
| Overhead Manual Switch Replacement Program |
Maintain Safety & Supply Reliability |
Distribution feeders multiple locations |
Final Project Assessment Report (PDF, 552 KB) Draft Project Assessment Report (PDF, 300 KB) Notice of Determination (PDF, 372 KB) |
17 March 2024 2 February 2024 N/A |
| Connection Enablement: Morwell East Area | Address sub-transmission constraints to enable more renewable generation connections |
Morwell East subtransmission loop |
1st May 2024 21st August 2024 N/A |
|
| YPS-WGL-MOE Ground Wire Replacement Project | The ground wire on the YPS-WGL-MOE 66kV line has degraded and is deemed to be in an unsuitable condition and in need of replacement |
Yallourn power station to Warragul |
N/A |
|
| Connection Enablement: Morwell South area |
Address sub-transmission constraints to enable more renewable generation connections |
Morwell South subtransmission loop |
15 April 2024 27 Nov 2024 N/A |