Piper Alderman has advised ElectraNet in its $180 million power contract with CIMIC, as well as a transmission agreement with OZ Minerals

Piper Alderman recently advised ElectraNet on its contract with CIMIC’s UGL to design, construct and commission high voltage substations and transmission lines that will connect the Prominent Hill Mine to the South Australian electricity grid. As part of the contract, UGL will design, construct and commission switching station infrastructure and approximately 300kms of high voltage transmission lines to support OZ Minerals Limited’s mining projects in South Australia’s upper north region. The project will generate revenue to UGL of approximately $180 million over two years.

Additionally, Piper Alderman advised ElectraNet on its build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM) and transmission connection arrangements with OZ Minerals. OZ Minerals has entered into arrangements with ElectraNet to construct the new 300km high voltage transmission line and associated infrastructure to support its Prominent Hill operations. The project will be delivered under a build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM) model and provide for transmission connection to the South Australian electricity grid. The transmission line will replace the existing BHP facility and is expected to be operational during 2020.

The Piper Alderman legal team was led by partner Martin Lovell, with assistance from senior associate Juniper Watson and associate Mary-Anne Sotiropoulos.

Martin Lovell commented:

“This transmission infrastructure not only provides an end-to-end network solution for OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill, but also presents opportunities for future load and generation projects in the upper north region of South Australia. It’s great to see the ElectraNet team working with industry to deliver such significant contestable works in a competitive market.”

ElectraNet said:

“Piper Alderman’s support to the ElectraNet team, combined with legal leadership in developing and negotiating the Transmission Connection Agreement between ElectraNet and OZ Minerals, proved invaluable in achieving a successful outcome for all parties.

The Piper Alderman team integrated themselves seamlessly and were prepared to go the extra mile when needed. It was a pleasure to work with Martin and his team over the last 6 months. Their professionalism, commercial mindedness, tactful approach, attention to detail, flexibility and availability make them a trusted advisor to ElectraNet.

We look forward to working with Martin and the Piper Alderman team on future transmission connection opportunities.”