National rules

Connection for registered generators above 5MW

• 01

  Preliminary enquiry

  First 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 enquiry application step and the likely fee payable by the applicant for the preparation of a detailed response by the DNSP.

• 02

  Detailed enquiry

  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. Please note an enquiry fee may be required at this stage which 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 30 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.

• 03

  Connection application

  An application to connect may be lodged following the completion of the detailed enquiry process. Please 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.

• 04

  Contracts and agreements

  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.