Changes to our embedded generation connection application approval process

Background

Essential Energy is making changes to the approval process for all single phase urban domestic embedded generation connection applications. These changes will improve compliance and turn-around times and, where certain criteria are met, eliminate the need to manually sign and return connection offers.

What is changing?

Under the NSW Service and Installation Rules (section 8.6.8 – maximum phase imbalance requirements), all single phase urban domestic embedded generation systems connected to a three-phase network must be export-limited to 5kW.

To comply with this requirement, from 1 March 2021 all connection applications received for single phase embedded generation systems greater than 5kW and equal to or less than 10kW in an urban domestic area will be expedited and a connection offer will be provided with a 5kW export limit condition.

What do you need to do?

If you are installing a single phase embedded generation system in an urban domestic location, please ensure that all details within the application are completed correctly, including the premises type in section 2.0. A single line diagram will still be required within the application documents, together with a voltage rise calculation for any urban systems greater than 5kW.

Ensure that the connection offer provided by Essential Energy is thoroughly reviewed, and any site-specific conditions or export limits are understood prior to commencing the installation.

If you are installing a three phase embedded generation system and would like an assessment completed for export availability above 5kW, please deselect the ‘request to expedite’ option in section 5.0 of the application form and the application will be reviewed by Essential Energy’s connections team.

Please communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Questions and Answers

Q. What will happen if I forget to deselect the expedite button in section 5.0 of the application form for an urban domestic embedded generation site?

A. Your application will be processed and a 5kW export limit applied.

If your connection application is for a three phase embedded generation system and you would like an assessment completed for the export availability above 5kW, please resubmit the application and deselect the expedite option in section 5.0. The application will be reviewed by Essential Energy’s connections team.

Q. Will I receive a greater export capability if a premises is converted to three phase?

A. Three phase embedded generation systems will be reviewed by Essential Energy against the existing distribution network capacity. If an export greater than 5kW can be accommodated without distribution network augmentation, details will be provided in the connection offer. In some cases, 5kW is the maximum export available at premises regardless of the number of phases specified. A connection application must be submitted to initiate the review process.

Q. How can I confirm if a customer’s premises is urban or rural?

A. Land zoning information can be confirmed using the NSW planning portal by click on the link https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/spatialviewer/#/find-a-property/address.

Q. I have received a connection offer with a 5kW export limitation. What does this mean?

A. The total solar export for this premises, including all combined connected solar systems must be export limited to 5 kW. If a connection offer relates to a three-phase system, 5kW is the total export at site balanced across 3 phases (e.g. 1.67kW per phase).

Q. What if I am installing a single phase embedded generation system greater than 5kW and equal to or less than 10kW system within an urban domestic embedded network (e.g. townhouse complex, lifestyle village)?

A. The application must include details of all the embedded generating systems within the embedded network connected to the same low voltage connection point, and the voltage rise calculations with all generating systems. The application will be reviewed by Essential Energy’s connection team, with consideration given to all existing and proposed generation at the connection point.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au