embedded generation - solar energy
Premium Feed-In Tariff’s are now available – Click here for more information
Connection of Generators
United Energy Distribution Pty Ltd (UED) is the owner of the electricity distribution network across Melbourne's south-east and the Mornington Peninsula. Jemena Asset Management (Jemena) provides operational services to UED under contract. The connection of all Embedded Generators to the UED network is assessed and approved by Jemena however the connection process varies depending upon the size and type of generator. Please refer to the links provided in the left hand menu for more information.
Generators connected to the distribution network are called “Embedded Generators” or “Distributed Generators” because they are embedded within or distributed along the distribution network rather than connected to the transmission network. Embedded Generators vary in type and size from a typical 1kW (1,000W) domestic solar photovoltaic generator to a 50MW (50,000,000W) Wind Farm. By comparison traditional generators connected to the transmission network are large centralised power stations, typically more than 100MW (100,000,000W).
Embedded Generators can provide some benefits compared to traditional centralised power stations. Benefits include a reduction in transmission network infrastructure and transmission line losses because the generator is located close to the load. Embedded Generators are also capable of higher overall energy efficiency if using co-generation or tri-generation because waste heat can be used for heating and cooling. Solar (photovoltaic) embedded generation allows residential customers to generate their own energy using sunlight and to inject excess energy not used into the local distribution network without the need for expensive energy storage batteries.
UED is committed to reducing the impact of its business operations on the environment and aims to be recognised as a leader in environmental management. UED has introduced an Environmental Management System for which it has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation and has also been a member of the Greenhouse Challenge Program since 1997. UED encourages the uptake of embedded generation particularly where these generators can defer or avoid network augmentation or provide environmental benefits such as reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions.
More Information
For more information regarding the connection process, requirements and specifications please follow the links provided in the left hand menu.
Further information can also be obtained from the Department of Primary Industries website by clicking here.
Key Contacts
Please contact the following key contacts for questions in relation to:
Embedded Generation
Alan Green
03 – 8544 9702
alan.green@jemena.com.au
Solar enquiries
Rob Campbell
03 – 8544 9086
robert.campbell@jemena.com.au
or
Paul Johnson
paul.johnson@jemena.com.au