Ausnet case study

AusNet owns and operates 3 regulated electricity and gas networks, as well as a portfolio of contracted energy infrastructure.

Their distribution network feeds electricity to 802,000 customers across 80,000km2. This covers eastern and north-eastern Victoria, and Melbourne's north and east.

AusNet’s transmission network spans 6,620km and transports power from where it is generated through to Victoria’s five distribution networks, connecting and supplying power to >6.6 million Victorians.

AusNet has over 1,300 employees in their team, serving around 1.6million customers.

Project scope and objectives

  • Develop an AFAP Process and Methodology to be used for updating the Ausnet Transmission Asset Electricity Safety Management Schemes (ESMS’s) and Formal Safety Assessments (FSA’s) across Regulated and Unregulated licences

    ​

  • Conduct an AFAP Study for all Transmission Asset Classes that enables AusNet to comply with what has been outlined in the 2024 Safety Case Guidelines (published by Energy Safe Victoria)​

  • Update a Terminal Station Transmission ESMS to address identified improvement items.

Client challenge

  • ESMS was provisionally accepted by ESV.

  • Regulated Transmission ESMS had conducted an FSA in 2024.

  • AusNet needed to revise the ESMS.

  • An AFAP Study was required, building on the FSA from the Regulated Transmission ESMS.

OUR APPROACH

  • Developed a fit-for-purpose AFAP Process and Methodology that is workable given the time and resource constraints

  • Tested several approaches to demonstrate AFAP (qualitative/quantitative) and reasons for rejection of a new control initiatives

  • Socialised AFAP templates and Data Inputs required of SME’s and stakeholders

  • Conducted AFAP workshops for major Asset Classes

TANGIBLE IMPACT

  • AFAP Study completed in conjunction with AusNet SME’s, using a bespoke process that is compliant with ESV’s 2024 Safety Guidelines and Regulatory requirements.

  • ESMS updated to address improvement items.