You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What in the communications?
Following reported issues with the QR2id App functionality, Essential Energy has made enquiries with the Application Developer. We are now aware of an issue affecting Apple iDevices and all apps requiring photo library access.
Solution:
- Go to Settings on your iDevice > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Photos > Allow Changes
- Then delete and reinstall the apps you want to give full access to your camera roll. This should prompt a request to enable photo and camera access.
For additional assistance, users should call 07 3380 4600 or email support@qr2id.com.
What do you need to do?
Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email support@qr2id.com.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
Community Consultation Guideline
To provide greater clarity around community consultation obligations during the design phase, Essential Energy has developed a new guideline for Accredited Service Providers (ASPs). This guideline outlines the minimum requirements for notifying adjoining landowners of proposed modifications to the electricity network during the design phase of a project.
The guideline is available on the Essential Connections Support page and can be accessed by searching “Consultation” or by following the link below.
Community Consultation During Design
These requirements reinforce the legislative responsibilities of designers and clearly set out Essential Energy’s expectations for community consultation.
From 1 April 2026, the minimum consultation requirements outlined in the guideline will be assessed as part of the design certification review process.
What do you need to do?
- Review the guideline and download a copy of Appendix A.
- Ensure the consultation process, including all required documentation, is applied across all current and future contestable designs.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
Essential Energy will be hosting an opt-in information session for ASPs to talk through the changes to CEOM7098 Distribution Underground Design and Construction Manual communicated in Construction New 26-01 published on 12 February 2026.
Prior to this session, we would like to provide further clarification.
- There will be a transition period for the adoption of the cable de-rating calculation approach stipulated in CEOM7098 Distribution Underground Design and Construction Manual.
- Essential Energy will provide target high voltage cable de-rating factors for designers to achieve in their designs as part of the Design Information Pack for each project. If a designer is unable to meet the target de-rating factor during the design phase they should contact Essential Energy for assistance.
- New design submissions will be required to include cable de-rating calculations so that cable derating information can be accurately captured, ensuring the Essential Energy Network can be efficiently operated and maintained.
- Timeframe for including cable de-rating factors in Design Information Packs and conducting cable de-rating calculation in new design submissions will be communicated in the coming weeks.
If you construct, connect to, or design our underground network we encourage you to attend this session, ask questions and raise any concerns with the team.
Registration
The CEOM7098 Distribution Underground Design and Construction Manual information session will be held on Thursday 5 March 2026 from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm. – please click here to register.
What do you need to do?
- Register to reserve your spot.
- Review the document, on the Document Library.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
Essential Energy recognises the importance of consultation and collaboration with Accredited Service Providers and Electrical Contractors working on and around our network and have held regular Focus Group session since 2018. This year we are once again seeking volunteers to join the Focus Group for a 12 month period. This will include attending a one hour virtual session, the first Thursday of every second month commencing April from 8.30am to 9.30am, noting that if there are no topics it will be cancelled, and if required attending face to face workshops. If you would like to make a difference and be a voice for your peers, then we want to hear from you.
If you would like to express your interest in being part of the Connections Focus Group for 2026 please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au, the group will be limited to 20 people. The Terms of Reference can be found in the annexture of CEOP2015, Contestable Works Guidelines (Terms and Conditions for Contestable Works) available on the Document Library.
What do you need to do?
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
- Email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au if you would like to volunteer.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
External Sales would like to inform you that our suppliers are currently facing long lead times for the items listed below. Please keep these extended lead times in mind when planning and placing orders. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please note that cable is provided exclusively in full drum quantities and cannot be cut to length.
What do you need to do?
Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email external.sales@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
The 12-month construction grace period associated with Construction News 25-01 Low Voltage Pillars, published 8 April 2025, is ending on 8 April 2026.
If your project contains low voltage pillars that are affected by the change's outlined in Construction News 25-01 Low Voltage Pillars and will not be commissioned prior to 8 April 2026 then the design must be updated to reflect the changes outlined in Construction News 25-01 and submitted for recertification.
Please note the following alteration. Tyco Electric have ceased production of item number 400608 – Type 8 Pillars made to Essential Energy’s specifications during the grace period. An Ausgrid approved alternate item has been approved by Essential Energy for temporary use. It will be supplied under the existing stock code for previously certified designs requiring Type 8 Pillars until the end of the grace period.
After 8 April 2026 subdivisions must be designed and constructed to comply with the new requirements.
All construction work commissioned after 8 April 2026 will be required to use the new materials outlined in CEOM7004 Approved Materials List. Changes to construction standards will be published in the next amendment. Construction News 25-01 Low Voltage Pillars must be used as a reference of change until then.
What do you need to do?
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
- Review the Construction News 25-01 Low Voltage Pillars.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
NSW regions are currently experiencing a heatwave, with extreme temperatures forecast across multiple areas. In response to these conditions, Essential Energy will proactively review all planned outages to assess potential impacts on customers and communities.
Where necessary, planned works may be postponed or rescheduled to minimise risk and support customer safety and reliability during this period of elevated temperatures. Decisions will be made based on operational risk assessments, weather forecasts, and community impact considerations.
Essential Energy remains committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees, and communities, while continuing to deliver safe and reliable electricity services throughout these extreme weather conditions.
What do you need to do?
- Please liaise with your Network Assurance Facilitator (NAF) regarding any planned works that may be impacted.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
In partnership with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Essential Energy is running a roadshow for solar and battery installers and retailers. Sign up for one of 10 face-to-face sessions being held across regional NSW.
What to expect from this event:
- Updates on NSW Government initiated changes to registering and commissioning rooftop solar from mid-2026.
- To enhance your knowledge of the Building Commission NSW (BCNSW) eCert portal and process for submitting Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW), battery safety and Common Smart Inverter Profile - Australia (CSIP-AUS) compliant gateway devices.
- To earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and connect with peers.
Speakers:
- Essential Energy: Learn about new compliance rules for grid-connected solar in NSW, including the NSW Government's Emergency Backstop Mechanism and Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Installer Portal. Find out what’s changing, why it matters and how to prepare for a smooth transition from mid-2026.
- Building Commission NSW: Preparing for the mandatory use if the BCNSW eCert portal for submitting Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Work from 1 March 2026, replacing handwritten and PDF forms.
- J & R Batteries: A focused session on lithium battery safety, including maintenance, fire response, system design and the latest trends to keep installers current with best practices.
- CatchPower: Covers gateway devices and lessons from applying CSIP-AUS and emergency backstop requirements, with practical tips for NSW and insights from other states.
When and where:
10 regional venues across NSW. All sessions start at 4:00pm and run for 2.5 hours. Bring your questions – our experts are here to help.
Register: Spots are limited, register now at Essential Energy Roadshow — SEIA.
What do you need to do?
- For more information and to register for the roadshow nearest you click here
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
Safety Briefs/Alerts
Briefing – CEOM7098 issue 16 - Underground Design manual changes (382 KB) (pdf)
