Connecting Larger Embedded Generation Systems

We can help guide you when connecting alternative power sources to our network.

The following information is for the connection of larger embedded generator systems or larger battery energy storage systems.

Alternatively, if you are seeking information on the process to connect small solar and wind (inverter) systems up to 200 kW in size, you can review the Connection Process.

You can call us on: 1800 771 434.

Powercor Sub-transmission Generation Capacity

CitiPower and Powercor provide their network generation capacity information on the Energy Network Australia network opportunity maps which are available here.

For further information beyond the online maps please contact CitiPower on Powercor on 1800 771 434.

Registered Generators generally with a capacity greater than 5 MW:

The following provides information including the connection process under Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules (NER).

This process applies to registered embedded generators, those intending to become registered (that is, generators with a capacity greater than 5 MW) or those choosing to become registered (that is, generators with a capacity less than 5 MW).

Non-registered embedded generators less than 5 MW may elect to use this process. If you do not want to use the connection process under Chapter 5A of the NER, please refer further below.

Chapter 5 of the NER Connection Process

Preliminary Enquiry Stage

The intent of the preliminary enquiry stage is to provide general, high level information and any project specific information that the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) has at hand that may help the connection applicant understand its connection options. The DNSP will respond within 15 business days but may not undertake detailed design or technical analysis of the connection application. The response will provide you with any network constraints prohibiting the connection, any augmentation that may be required to facilitate the connection and what components of work that may be contestable. Included in the response are details about the detailed enquiry application step and the likely fee payable by the applicant for the preparation of a detailed response by the DNSP.

Detailed Enquiry Stage

Following the receipt of the preliminary response, connection applicants would have more available information to allow them to assess their business case and determine the appropriate next steps. Note: an enquiry fee may be required at this stage. The subsequent detailed enquiry stage concentrates more on the specific network analysis required to assess the applicability of a network connection. For a proposed connection that would not require shared network augmentation, the response time is 40 business days from receipt of a complete application. The response will provide how much embedded generator capacity can be exported and at what voltage, an itemised estimate of the connection cost and the factors affecting those costs. Included in the response are details about the connection application process and the likely fee that will be incurred in submitting an application together with the activities that the DNSP will have to undertake in processing the connection application.

Connection Application

An application to connect may be lodged following the completion of the detailed enquiry process. Note: an application fee may be required at this stage The DNSP will prepare an offer to connect at a date typically within four months from the date of receipt of the complete application to connect. The offer generally has a validity period of 20 days.

The connection process involves separate stages with defined outcomes and timeframes.

Applications

The applicable application form for the preliminary and detailed enquiry is to be used when requesting a DNSP response. The form provides the minimum information required to be submitted at each stage to enable a response to be provided in the required timeframes.

Embedded Generation – Preliminary enquiries can be made via mySupply
Battery Energy Storage System – Preliminary enquiries can be made via mySupply

NB: The mySupply enquiry application portal does always function correctly with Internet Explorer.Consider the use of an alternative internet browser.

Typical Connection Costs

To assist your planning the following high level costs are provided for the provision of typical connection assets that may be required to connect an embedded generator to the electricity grid. Depending on the size of the embedded generator, the location in relation to existing distribution assets and the voltage level of the connection, some of the costs may be applicable.

Note: these do not include costs to remove a network constraint.

CitiPower
Item	Location	Cost
11 kV UG extension	Urban	$1.7M per km
11 kV UG extension	CBD	$3.5M per km
66 kV UG extension	Urban	$2.3M per km
66 kV UG extension	CBD	$4.0M per km

Powercor
Item	Location	Cost
22 kV OH extension	Rural/Regional	$0.2M per km
22 kV UG extension	Rural/Regional	$0.9M per km
66 kV OH extension	Rural/Regional	$0.3M per km
66 kV UG extension	Rural/Regional	$1.2M per km
66 kV Switching Station	Rural/Regional	$5.0M each

Transmission Use of System (TUOS)

Embedded generators connecting under Chapter 5 may be eligible for avoided TUOS payments.

Fact Sheet: Avoided Transmission Payments to Embedded Generators

Contract / Agreement

The DNSP uses a negotiated connection contract for any work to extend the distribution assets or remove any network constraint to allow the connection. The connection of the embedded generator uses a generator deed agreement. The contract and agreement contains the terms and conditions between the customer and the DNSP for the service provided. Our template contract and agreement using Powercor as an example are provided for your review.

Technical Requirements

The DNSP has three customer guidelines and depending on the voltage level of the connection, one of the guidelines will be applicable for the connection of the embedded generator. The customer guidelines provide as a minimum the following information.

Single line diagrams of the DNSP preferred connection arrangements
Sample schematic diagrams of protection systems relevant to the connection of the embedded generator
Protection systems and protection schemes
Fault level management principles
Reactive power capability and power factor correction
Power quality
Frequency and voltage disturbance
Voltage control and regulation
Remote monitoring equipment, control and communication requirements
Earthing requirements and other safety requirements
Commissioning and testing requirements

Customer Guidelines:

Register of completed embedded generation projects

Details of completed projects may be found below under “downloads and related resources”. Please note, not all completed projects are recorded due to privacy concerns.

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