What is Happening?

Essential Energy is transitioning to an increased use of composite poles due to evolving business needs. Key benefits of composite poles include supply certainty, manufacturing consistency, fire resilience, immunity to rot, decay, termites and corrosion, light weight, and non-conductive nature. Following long term trials, some regions predominantly use composite poles while others continue to use a blend of timber and composite poles. Supply contracts are in place and approved suppliers listed on our Approved Materials list CEOM7004, can be downloaded from Essential Energy Document Library

While composite poles have a higher upfront cost, they are easier to install, provide a longer life and lower maintenance costs due to immunity to degradation mechanisms that affect other pole types. The lifecycle costs over the long asset life is favourable over other pole types. AER engagement has indicated that our transition plans will be supported through the regulatory proposal.

ASPs can choose composite or timber poles but with full suite of standards and approved materials, can consider composite poles in locations of most value like high bushfire risk or termite risk sites, difficult access locations, operational poles etc.

For more information, please click on the link for Composite Pole Journey and FAQs.

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

What is happening?

On the 5 September 2023 Essential Energy communicated that we would be transitioning from physical identification cards to a fully Digital ID solution.

We are now communicating to you to announce the solution will be implemented and going live on the 4 October 2023 from 10am.

The Digital ID solution will enable individuals to authenticate their identity online without the time and effort required to physically collect, handle, and store important documents. Once verified, this will allow Essential Energy to issue individual Digital ID’s more efficiently and securely.

The solution is a 3-part application:

1. IdentityONE – solution for issuing digital IDs.
2. CaptureME – integrates with IdentityONE where users will upload their photo id and verification documents.
3. IDmobile – installed on your smartphone, providing a digital version of your traditional card.

What to except

• From 4 October 2023, Essential Energy will issue individuals with a One Time Password and instructions to self-enrol in in the Digital ID using CaptureMe. The email will be sent from: captureme@essentialenergy.com.au.
• On receipt, individuals are to follow the instructions on how to upload individual identification and photo and submit the request.
• Essential Energy will action the request and issue an email with instructions on how to install IDmobile App and the Digital ID.
• Individuals will need to download ID mobile app onto their device and access their digital credentials.
• Once you have your Digital ID, existing physical cards are to be returned to Essential Energy Security, PO Box 5730, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 for secure destruction.

We understand that transitioning to the new system will require adjustments and we appreciate your support and cooperation during this process. We believe the new solution will significantly enhance Essential Energy’s ability to manage authorisation when working on or near Essential Energy's network.

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• Essential Energy is mandated to meet strict compliance requirements to protect users’ privacy and security, and control against fraud.
• All information and data collected by Essential Energy is classified as ‘Protected Data’. All protected data will be stored on IT infrastructure that is physically located in Australia. The data is only accessible from within Australia, by authorised personnel, and will not be exported outside Australia. The Digital ID solution meets Australian legislation requirements for data storage.
• For more information, refer to the Essential Energy Privacy Policy.

What do you need to do?

1. Expect an email from captureme@essentialenergy.com.au from 4 October 2023.
2. A ‘How to guide’, Digital Identification User Guide is available to assist you with transitioning to the new way of doing business.
3. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email Essential Energy Security at eesecurity@essentialenergy.com.au.

What is Happening?

Essential Energy would like to clarify the role of non-electrically qualified person(s) that are authorised under the Class 1X. We have seen an increase of reported occurrences where Class 1X personnel have constructed network assets and worked unsupervised on contestable projects.

Essential Energy recognises the need for Class 1X personnel to engage in trade assistant work and/or general labourer tasks on contestable projects. It’s important to note Class 1X Competent Assistants and Plant Operators are not qualified to undertake the construction of network assets. Their role is limited and must only provide assistance to qualified and authorised person(s) during the construction of network assets.

Class 1X Non-Electrically Qualified Person(s) are Authorised under these Classes:

• Competent Assistant (Groundline / Ladder / EWP)
• Plant Operator
• Apprentice Powerline Worker / Apprentice Cable Jointer / Apprentice Electrician.

Class 1X apprentices are encouraged to assist with the construction of network assets under the supervision of qualified & authorised personnel. The level of supervision required shall be determined by the ASP and should be based on the level of workplace experience and exposure to the task being performed.

Please note that only qualified and authorised personnel with authorisation Class(s) 1A, 1B or 1C undertake the construction of network assets and the attendance of a qualified and authorised person(s) relevant to the work being performed must always be on-site.

Class 1X Competent Assistants / Plant Operators working on or near the network are prohibited from:

• Performing work on a pole or structure supporting energised HV or LV electrical apparatus
• Work greater than two metres aloft on any network structure or network asset
• Making and/or breaking electrical connections (including earth grids)
• Carrying out testing on electrical apparatus.

Where it is suspected that Class 1X personnel have performed prohibited tasks, Essential Energy will commence an investigation into the matter. This may result in temporary suspension of the ASP’s company, cancellation of project connections and network assets to be reinstalled by appropriately qualified and authorised personnel.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

A new process has been put together to use the CEOF6708 Asset Label Request Form (Return Stock Section) to allow you to return soft labels via the Portal for projects that have an ECN/ST number.

Please follow the below procedure:

• Create Asset Label Case as per normal procedure.
• Select Return Label Option and enter quantity of labels to be returned.
• Complete Return to Stock section of CEOF6708 Asset Label Request Form.
• Attach CEOF6708 Asset Label Request Form to the Asset Label case.
• Submit the request. Asset Label case will be assigned to the Asset Label Queue and completed via the normal process.

Older projects that do not have a current ECN/ST number and require soft asset labels to be returned will need to follow the below procedure:

1. Complete Return to Stock section of CEOF6708 Asset Label Request Form.
2. Submit CEOF6708 Asset Label Request Form via email to contestableworks@essentialenergy.com.au.

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

What is Happening?

At Essential Energy, we look after the poles and wires that deliver electricity to 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland. The electricity we deliver powers essential services such as hospitals and schools as well as the homes, businesses and services that form your community.

It is no surprise that in today’s environment, security is one of the major challenges faced by every organisation and community. At Essential Energy, we are enhancing our personnel, cyber and physical security by transitioning to Digital IDs.

The transition from physical identification and authorisation cards to a fully Digital ID solution is similar to the way NSW Government digital driver licences are issued.

Essential Energy Digital ID will enable an individual to authenticate their identity online without the time and effort required in physically collecting, handling, and storing your important documents. Once verified, this will allow Essential Energy to issue an individual a Digital ID and network authorisation more efficiently and securely.

Digital ID’s will provide positive benefits including:

• Simplify the way ‘Authorised Service Providers’ cards are issued by creating a unique and secure Digital ID credential that is downloaded to your mobile device.
• Digital IDs which can be used in real world environments wherever physical IDs are required, ensuring information is stored in a secure environment instead of on a physical card.
• Updates in real time. Individuals will not need to wait for a physical authorisation card to be issued - either at the initial application, to replace a lost card, or when there is a change in your details. This will make the process simpler, safer, and more secure.
• Digital ID will work and can be viewed even when there is no phone data coverage available.
• As opposed to a physical card, you can manage the security and access to your Digital ID by changing your PIN or password and enabling Face ID if your smart device has this feature.

What do you need to know?

Effective 30 September 2023, the process for individuals who require a ‘Authorised Service Providers card’ will be modified to enhance security and streamline processes.

The solution is compatible with all smartphone devices (iPhone, Android and HHU devices). Essential Energy is mandated to meet strict compliance requirements to protect users’ privacy and security, and control against fraud. For more information, refer to the Essential Energy Privacy Policy.

The solution is a 3 part application:

1. IdentityONE – solution for issuing digital IDs.
2. CaptureME – integrates with IdentityONE where users will upload their photo id and verification documents.
3. IDmobile – installed on your smartphone, providing a digital version of your traditional card.

Individuals will need to supply their personal email address, mobile number, and upload their proof of ID information (identification photo and verification document) via the online application CaptureME.

Next Steps:

Essential Energy will provide more information including training materials, FAQs, and user guides closer to go live date.

We kindly request you notify your contractors, employees and individuals contracted to do work on behalf of Essential Energy of this upcoming change.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring a reliable network for our customers and local communities.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

Notice of Arrangement (NoA) – August 2023

A Notice of Arrangement (NoA) confirms that a subdivision has adequate electrical infrastructure to:

• Supply electricity to every lot; and
• Provide public lighting (if applicable)

The process for applying for a NoA differs depending on whether your development is part of a contestable works project (i.e., has been given a standard connection offer and requires a Level 1 ASP to upgrade or extend the local network) or not. We are still transitioning across previous processes and systems so please review the options below and follow instructions for your scenario.

Regardless of the process for applying, several documents will be required to support your NoA request – please ensure these documents are included with your application to avoid any additional processing fees and delays:

• A copy of the final surveyors plans that will be submitted to the Land Registry Services (LRS) for registration of the subdivision. Please ensure it includes the surveyor’s reference number.
• A copy of the Council Notice of Determination
• A detailed drawing showing the point of attachment to Essential Energy’s network, service mains location, and the location of the metering / Master Switchboard (MSB) on the lot (mandatory for all new Strata and Community title developments, and Torrens title developments where there is an existing service main and MSB currently installed); and
• Copy of easement documents executed by Essential Energy (if applicable)

Please note: If your project is part of a contestable works project you will not be able to submit a NoA request until:

• The Certificate of Practical Completion has been issued to the Level 1 ASP (this is issued after construction has been completed, inspections undertaken, and all defects rectified); and
• If easements are required, all easement cases relating to the project are in a status of ‘Issued’ or ‘Completed’.

Easements - If you have an easement case in Essential Connections, you must reference your Easement Case number in your NOA Application.

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

What is Happening?

A new version of CEOP2015 Contestable Works Guidelines Terms and Conditions for Contestable Works is available on the Document Library, this update aligns the document with the release of Basic Connections in the Essential Connections Portal and adjustments or amendments in response to ASP and internal stakeholder review and feedback.

Continuous Improvement

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

We’ve changed Intent to Connect functionality and created a guide with tips to help you (Admins) support your businesses.

Admins can now submit Intent to Connects for works their company is undertaking.

Please note: The Intent to Connect for works that will be done by someone not listed as part of your company will need to be submitted by that person. Please provide them with the ECN and Application case number.

We’ve developed a guide for Admins/Support staff focusing on basic connections forms and activities which is available on our website (Essential Connections - Basic Connections Quick guide for Admins and Support staff).

It includes:

• What forms Admins can submit?
• How to register as an Admin in the Essential Connections portal
• What’s the best way to see your company’s cases
• Useful statuses to know
• Paying fees/ invoices.

We trust this is helpful.

Don’t forget - these help options are always available for you:

• Essential Energy Contact Centre Call 13 23 91 (General Enquiries)
• Contact aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

What is Happening?

In the interest of maintaining a safe and compliant network, Essential Energy would like to formally notify Accredited Service Providers (ASP) our intention when addressing significant incidents or instances of non-compliance.

Incidents that necessitate an investigation or implementation of disciplinary or corrective action, Essential Energy retains the authority to temporarily suspend the company’s authorisation.

Essential Energy will initiate a prior notification and engage in discussions with the ASP before proceeding with the suspension. This allows for a constructive dialogue and an opportunity for the ASP to address any concerns raised during the investigation process.

Upon issuing the suspension notice the ASP is expected to comply immediately upon receiving the notice of suspension and cease all work on or near Essential Energy's network until further notice. For Level 1 ASP they cannot engage the services of other level 1 ASPs or authorised person(s) to conduct contestable work.

To seek reinstatement of their authorisation, the ASP can apply in writing once they have rectified the identified issues and fulfilled all requirements specified in Essential Energy's notice. This application should include supporting evidence demonstrating the resolution of the concerns that led to the suspension.

Continued failure to comply with Essential Energy guidelines will result in an extended suspension and a formal request to the Department of Energy and Climate Change for an ASP regrade.

Essential Energy is committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with its ASPs and endeavours to ensure that all work performed on or near its network adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance. The suspension process is designed to promote accountability and encourage prompt corrective action to maintain a reliable and safe network.

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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

What is Happening?

As of now Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) do not have to authorise sub-contractor(s) under their company if the sub-contractor(s) holds a current network authorisation with Essential Energy.

The ASP can engage the services of any authorised person(s) with the appropriate authorisation classification to perform contestable work. The ASP must ensure sub-contractor(s) are appropriately qualified, trained and authorised for the category of work being performed.

Person(s) will only be authorised under the ASP listed on the authorisation application form.

The ASP must still register all sub-contractor(s) under their accreditation with the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change.

Submission of Project Specific Documentation:

When project specific documentation needs to be submitted, such as network asset testing and commissioning CEOF5125 forms, sub-contractor(s) must be registered and authorised under the principal ASP for the project.

This is a requirement for when projects commence in Essential Connections, it’s necessary so sub-contractor(s) can access the relevant project case(s) in Essential Connections and submit project specific documentation.

When applying for sub-contractor authorisation, please tick the sub-contractor box on the authorisation application form and provide another email address not previously supplied for authorisation.

What do you need to do?

Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

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