Non-Registered Generators with a capacity less than 5 MW.
Non-registered embedded generator connection requests will generally be offered as a negotiated connection service under Chapter 5A of the National Electricity Rules (NER).
A non-registered embedded generator can elect to connect under Chapter 5. In this instance please see the “Registered Generators generally with a capacity greater than 5 MW” section below.
The process to connect to the network and determine the agreed export capacity is set out in the steps below.
Chapter 5A Connection Process
Receipt of customer enquiry application
Initial project assessment by CitiPower Powercor
If required, an initial meeting with the embedded generator applicant
Advice of system studies required
Customer submits the connection application fee
CitiPower Powercor review application and define scope of works
CitiPower Powercor complete cost estimation for extension/augmentation
Issue connection contract / agreement
Offer acceptance and relevant contracts / agreements executed
Review commissioning and operating plan
Construction activities
Attendance at commissioning tests and inspection of customer installation
Embedded Generator and Battery energy storage system enquiry applications can be made through mySupply
Customer guidelines applicable for a non-registered embedded generators are:
- Customer Guideline – LV Distribution Connected Embedded Generation
- Customer Guideline – HV Distribution Connected Embedded Generation
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
The connection process involves separate stages with defined outcomes and timeframes.
Chapter 5 of the NER Connection Process
Preliminary Enquiry Stage
Detailed Enquiry Stage
Connection Application
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 doesn’t 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.
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:
- Customer Guideline – LV Distribution Connected Embedded Generation
- Customer Guideline – HV Distribution Connected Embedded Generation
- Customer Guideline – Sub-transmission Connected Embedded Generation
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.
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.