REFCL Compliance Maintained Planning Report for Zone Substation

This document is a planning report focused on maintaining compliance with the Electricity Safety (Bushfire Mitigation) Regulations for AusNet Services during the 2026-31 regulatory control period. It investigates the constraints forecasted in the REFCL network areas and identifies the need for prudent and efficient investments to comply with mandated safety standards. The report outlines the compliance obligations set forth by the Victorian Government, which include the installation of Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCLs) in designated zone substations. It details the various options considered for compliance, including the installation of isolating transformers and remote REFCLs, ultimately recommending a combination of these solutions across four geographic areas. The expected aggregate cost for the preferred option is estimated at $65.6 million, which is deemed the least cost and technically feasible solution. The report also discusses the implications of network growth and capacitive current on compliance efforts.