South Australia is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation growth and jobs opportunity, as industries such as mining, manufacturing and data centres look to expand, attracted by the state’s strong energy resources and valuable minerals.
As these industries grow, demand for electricity is set to increase significantly.
NTx is key to unlocking this opportunity by increasing the capacity of the electricity network and helping to ensure a reliable and affordable supply for consumers.
A project of this scale is subject to a number of assessment and approvals processes to ensure it is technically sound, economically viable and environmentally responsible. NTx is currently undergoing the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T), which evaluates the economic and technical benefits of potential solutions to the project need.
The PADR is the first stage of this process. ElectraNet has assessed nine network and three non-network options balancing costs with long-term economic and energy benefits to identify a preferred option that is in the long-term interests of electricity consumers.
Based on the PADR analysis, a new high capacity 275kV transmission line between Bundey and a new site around Bolivar/Dry Creek delivers the greatest net economic benefits for electricity consumers.
The preferred option will:
Add 1600MW of capacity
Additional transfer from the mid North to Adelaide
Deliver between $363M and $640M
in net market benefits for electricity consumers
Support electricity generation growth
North of Adelaide
Support industry
Additional capacity for large industrial loads
Improve system performance
Reduces congestion in the National Electricity Market
Help manage prices
Downward pressure on electricity prices
The PADR was published for public consultation on 30 April 2026 and ElectraNet received 21 submissions. ElectraNet will consider all submissions carefully before moving to the next and final stage of the RIT-T, the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR).
As per the guidance provided by the National Electricity Rules (NER) and Australian Energy Regulator (AER), PADR submissions must relate to the RIT-T’s decision-making framework (ie economic net benefit or reliability compliance).
Feedback related to other aspects of the project, such as environmental concerns, social impacts and location of the transmission line, were forwarded to the community engagement team and will be considered alongside other inputs received through our engagement activities.
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