Network operator procurement process for the New England REZ

EnergyCo is carrying out a competitive procurement process to appoint a network operator to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the new transmission infrastructure for the New England REZ. The successful network operator will work in partnership with EnergyCo to deliver the network infrastructure project and help unlock more clean, affordable energy for homes and businesses while supporting investment and jobs in regional NSW.

Three parties have been shortlisted and are currently participating in the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the competitive process:

  • Future Energy Networks (AusNet, Pacific Partnerships, GS, Hyundai, Ghella, CPB Contractors, UGL)
  • NewLeaf Energy (Iberdrola, Capella Capital, Gamuda, Samsung C&T, Ferrovial, Genus Infrastructure)
  • Verta Energy (EDF Australia)

The procurement process is running in parallel with ongoing work with landholders and the community, as well as environmental investigations, as we continue to refine the REZ network infrastructure project.

For enquiries about the process, contact our team. 

Contact our team
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  1. Call for Registrations of Interest and industry briefing - March 2025

    We invited registrations of interest and held an industry briefing for interested parties. View the industry briefing presentation slides.

  2. Interactive Expressions of Interest (EOI) stage – May 2025

    We invited registrants to participate in the interactive EOI stage of the procurement, which attracted strong market interest with six submissions.

  3. Three network operators shortlisted – Nov 2025

    We announced 3 shortlisted parties to progress to the formal Request for Proposal stage of the procurement process.

  4. Request for Proposal – Nov 2025 – Oct 2026

    Bidders will submit detailed proposals outlining their approach to delivering the REZ, including how they will create regional jobs, support local supply chains, and engage effectively with communities, First Nations groups and landholders. 

  5. Preferred bidder selection - Late 2027

    The preferred network operator is expected to enter into a commitment deed by late 2027, with contract execution and financial close anticipated in 2028.

Delivering community outcomes

The successful network operator must demonstrate their commitment to best practice operations and delivering legacy outcomes for NSW energy consumers.

During the RFP stage, each party will submit a detailed proposal outlining its approach to delivering the REZ, including demonstrating how it will deliver community and landholder benefits. This includes:

  • generating regional job opportunities
  • creating employment and training programs
  • supporting local supply chains
  • engaging proactively and positively with communities, First Nations people and landowners
  • long term commitment to communities.

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Development finance entity

We're appointing a development finance entity to help boost investment certainty and deliver long-term cost savings for NSW consumers.

The development finance entity will procure and maintain lower-risk financing for certain development costs, securing better value for consumers while giving the market more certainty during construction and operation.

We're carrying out the competitive process to appoint a development finance entity, with the aim of selecting a preferred partner by mid-2027.

For questions relating to the development finance entity procurement process, please contact our team at nerez.dfe@energyco.nsw.gov.au

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Ongoing collaboration with the market

Consistent with the NSW Government Principles for Partnership with the Construction Industry, we're committed to collaborating with the market to achieve greater certainty, increased productivity, sustainable risk allocations and overall value-for-money outcomes.  

During both the Expressions of Interest and Request for Proposal stages, we hold structured meetings where bidders can test their ideas, get feedback from us, and help us design a better project. This dialogue makes for stronger proposals, smarter risk management, and better outcomes overall. 

Explore the New England REZ engagement portal

Learn more about the project, provide feedback to help shape our plans and stay informed on upcoming events near you. 

Explore the portal
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New England Engagement Portal Mockup 260501- Edited. 

More information

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Contact the New England REZ team

Call us

1800 061 114 (toll free), Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Email us

nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au

Explore the REZ engagement portal

Learn more, see upcoming events and provide feedback

Register for updates

Sign up for the New England REZ e-newsletter