Level 1 ASPs

Level 1 ASP undertake work to extend the overhead and/or underground electricity network or increase the capacity of the existing network.

  • Proactive discussions, engagement and insights from Level 1 Accredited Service Providers;
  • Critical information updates; and
  • Other useful and relevant information

If you need further information or support, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)

Level 1 ASP undertake work to extend the overhead and/or underground electricity network or increase the capacity of the existing network.

  • Proactive discussions, engagement and insights from Level 1 Accredited Service Providers;
  • Critical information updates; and
  • Other useful and relevant information

If you need further information or support, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Opportunity to meet Scott Steele from Tyree Industries

    27 Aug 2018
    supporting image


    Opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Scott Steele, Tyree Industries

    Tyree Industries wants to engage with Level 1 ASPs within Essential Energy network area who utilise pole mounted transformers and substation pads procured from Essential Energy and other suppliers.
    To facilitate this, Scott Steele has been appointed as the senior contact within Tyree Industries.
    Scott plans to do a road trip to meet with Level 1 ASPs to better understand your needs and any issues associated with the procurement process.
    In the meantime, Scott will be happy to assist with any questions you have and can be contacted via:

    Scott Steele
    General Manager Sales & Export
    Tyree Industries
    T: 02 4872 6177

    Scott Steele

    Based in Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, Scott has been General Manager Sales & Export with Tyree Industries for the last six years.
    He has over 25 years’ experience with global multi-national manufacturers in various roles, including selling MV/HV switchgear and protection products, distribution and power transformers up to 550KV, 500MVA and turn-key substations.
    Scott also has experience in running a service and installation company, looking after products from cradle to grave.


  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Ring Fencing – Provider of Last Resort

    22 Aug 2018
    supporting image


    Ring Fencing – Provider of Last Resort

    Ring-fencing regulations were introduced on 1 January 2018 to support the creation of a level playing field for providers of contestable services in new and existing NSW markets.
    Essential Energy is only able to provide contestable services in limited circumstances:

    • In regionally exempt depots; or
    • Where acting as a provider of last resort
    If a customer is unable to obtain the services of a third party, they may request that Essential Energy undertake the work as a Provider of Last Resort.
    For more information relating to Ring Fencing – Provider of Last Resort please download the Q & A’s located on our Document Library.

    What do you need to do?
    1. Review & download the Provider of Last Resort Q & A’s located on Essential Energy’s Document Library(External link)
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
    Further Information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)
  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Distribution joint and termination installation new training sessions

    15 Aug 2018
    supporting image


    Important reminder to authorised cable jointers

    As previously advised, the Standard for installing distribution joint and termination equipment has been updated and has become mandatory from 1 July 2018.

    Additionally, Essential Energy will limit the choice of distribution joint and termination items for installation on our network to those supplied by DT Jointing Solutions Pty Ltd, and require you to use the QR code process for any joint or termination installed.

    If you hold a cable jointing authorisation and to date if you have not completed the awareness training required to gain approval to install new DT joints on our network. You are now unable to continue to perform cable jointing on our network, until you complete this awareness training.

    We are scheduling two more free courses that will be held in the below locations:

    • Goulburn 11 September 2018
    • Grafton 4 September 2018

    You are encouraged to make contact ASAP to enrol, as we have not scheduled any future sessions for this course.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Please register your interest in attending a training course by contacting our Training Team, via email to trainingservicesadmin@essentialenergy.com.au(External link), as soon as possible and include your full name, location and authorisation number.
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation

    Once minimum numbers are achieved to run these courses, an invitation and course confirmation will be provided.

    Further Information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Bill of Materials & Construction Drawing Requirements

    06 Jul 2018
    supporting image


    CEOF6709 – Bill of Materials (BoM) – Update on implementation.

    Essential Energy recently introduced a Bill of Materials (BoM) as a requirement of the contestable works design certification process. The aim of the new requirement is to improve the process for our Level 3 ASP partners and customers by capturing data required for Gifted Assets valuation in a consolidated format. This will streamline and simplify the valuation process, saving time and cost.

    However, the feedback we’ve since received from our ASP stakeholders clearly indicates that the full extent of the BOM’s impacts on ASPs and customers was not well understood prior to the initial roll out.
    In line with our commitment made earlier this year in our Contestable Works co-design sessions, we have taken this feedback on board and have placed implementation of the Bill of Materials requirement on hold pending further consultation.

    Further updates and advice will be provided as we progress a review of the requirement.

    CEOM7001 – Construction Drawing Requirements

    Review of CEOM7001 is now complete and a new version of the manual is available in Essential Energy’s document library. The manual has been updated to align with current process and internal mains design, including some revisions that will allow us to identify existing and new infrastructure or conductors and cables more easily.
    Additional drawing examples are being developed that align to internal Network Design drawing sheets and are suitable for integration to the Small World GIS System.
    We’ve received several questions regarding the process and timeframe for transitioning from the previous requirement. We understand from the feedback received that our ASP designers need time to introduce the drawing changes into their design and certification submission processes.
    Therefore, any designs submitted before 13 August 2018 that comply with construction drawing requirements described in the previous version of CEOM7001 will be accepted and assessed for certification.
    We expect all designs submitted from 13 August 2018 will align to the requirements described in the revised CEOM7001.

    What do you need to do?
    1. Review & download the latest version of CEOM7001 located on Essential Energy’s Document Library(External link)
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation

    Further Information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Distribution joint and termination installation training

    06 Jul 2018
    supporting image


    Important reminder to authorised cable jointers

    As previously advised, the Standard for installing distribution joint and termination equipment has been updated and has become mandatory from 1 July 2018.

    Additionally, Essential Energy will limit the choice of distribution joint and termination items for installation on our network to those supplied by DT Jointing Solutions Pty Ltd, and require you to use the QR code process for any joint or termination installed.

    You may hold a cable jointing authorisation and to date if you have not completed the awareness training required to gain approval to install joints on our network safely, and in compliance with the updated standard, post 1 July 2018 you will be unable to continue to perform cable jointing on our network, until you complete awareness training.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Please register your interest in attending a training course by contacting our Training Team, via email to trainingservicesadmin@essentialenergy.com.au(External link), as soon as possible and include your full name, location and authorisation number
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
    Once minimum numbers are achieved course costs will be provided dependent on location.

    Further Information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)


  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    IPART Reviews of the NSW Energy Market

    25 Jun 2018
    supporting image


    IMPORTANT: Commencement of IPART Reviews of the NSW Energy Market

    Below are two reviews that Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) have been asked to be undertaking by the NSW Minister of Energy:


    IPART has commenced its annual review of the performance and competitiveness of the retail electricity and gas markets in NSW for the most recent financial year.
    The report on 2017-18 period will be their fourth annual monitoring report on the retail electricity market and the first reviewing competition in the retail gas market since gas prices were deregulated on 1 July 2017.

    As part of this review, the NSW Minister for Energy and Utilities has also asked to report on:

    • electricity and gas price movements from July 2018, and whether any such changes reflect efficient costs in a competitive market, and
    • whether retailers are delivering acceptable levels of customer communication and service in their delivery of metering services

    As part of the annual review of the performance and competitiveness of the retail electricity and gas markets in NSW, IPART have been asked to review NSW electricity retailers’ metering practices, and report on whether retailers are delivering acceptable levels of customer service and communication.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
    2. Participate in these reviews by click on the links and having your say on the above topics.

    Further Information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)


  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Installation of Cable Covers (Tiger Tails)

    25 Jun 2018
    supporting image


    What’s happening?

    There have been several instances recently where Level 2 ASPs, or in some cases unauthorised trade contractors, have fitted cable covers (tiger tails) to energised overhead service lines.

    As a result of further investigation, it has been identified that confusion exists as to who is authorised to undertake this task. The WorkCover Code of Practice (CoP): Work Near Overhead Power lines provides direction in relation to the implementation of control measures for unauthorised persons working near low voltage overhead service lines.

    Consideration should be given to Eliminating the hazard by deenergising the supply for the duration of the work, and where there is a danger of physical damage to the overhead service its temporary removal. Where this is not practicable, separating the hazard from the worksite may be achieved through the installation of insulating matting and tiger tails at the point of attachment.

    Essential Energy’s response

    Cable covers must only be fitted to energised service lines for the purposes of adherence to the CoP by electrically qualified Essential Energy authorised employees. ASPs and contractors are not authorised to carry out these tasks as this is not classified as Contestable Work, unless working on behalf of Essential Energy under the conditions of a contract can these be installed.

    A Level 2 ASP can however, de-energise and remove a service line for the duration of the proposed works, or fit cable covers on a deenergised service line for mechanical protection and visual indication so long as the covers are removed prior to the installation being reenergised.

    When de-energising a service line, the service connections at the Point of Common Coupling must always be disconnected and made safe. The service line should then be visually assessed to determine its condition. If it is not of sound condition or there are other factors preventing the service removal. The disconnected service is to remain in situ and covered with insulating matting and tiger tails for visual awareness and mechanical protection. Special attention should also be paid to protecting the consumer mains at the Point of Attachment.
    If the service line is deemed to be in sound condition, and providing it is firstly disconnected at the Point of Common Coupling, then disconnect the connections at the Point of Attachment, remove the service from the attachment, and carefully roll up.

    The completely disconnected service can then be secured where practicable to the non-trafficable side of the distribution pole or private pole at a minimum height of 4.6m. If this is not practicable or introduces other hazards, then the service should be removed and stored in a secure location ensuring no physical damage to the service is sustained.
    Before re-energising, precautions must be taken to ensure that the service and electrical installation are in a state suitable for energisation and that all required testing (e.g. insulation resistance, polarity, neutral integrity and phase rotation) has been satisfactorily completed.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
    2. Click on the below link for additional information on Essential Energy's website

    Further information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)






  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    Design & Certification Projected Timeframes

    06 Jun 2018
    supporting image


    IMPORTANT: DELAYS IN ISSUING DESIGN INFORMATION PACKAGES & DESIGN CERTIFICATIONS

    A significantly higher than normal volume of requests – generally associated with an increase in high voltage and solar connection applications – is currently contributing to a delay in Essential Energy issuing Design Information Packages & Design Certifications.

    Design Information Packages

    Will be issued at minimum of 4 weeks from the date we receive a completed CEOF6010 - Contestable Work: Design Information Application.

    Design Certification

    Certification for design submission packages will be issued at minimum of 4 weeks from the date we receive a completed CEOF6011 - Contestable Work: Design Submission.

    LV Connection Offers

    Due to the changes which have occurred as a result from Power of Choice (PoC), the requirement for an approved LV Connection Offer will still be waived when submitting a CEOF6010 - Contestable Work: Design Information Application.

    What is Essential Energy doing to reduce the delay?

    We are processing requests as quickly as possible.

    The low voltage connection offer backlog has now been reduced to a suitable level and has remained steady for several months.

    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(External link)


  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    AER Price Increase 1 July 2018

    22 May 2018
    supporting image


    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    From 1 July 2014, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) introduced new regulatory charges for Ancillary Network Services and Metering Services. As an Accredited Service Provider (ASP), Authorised Person (AUP) or Electrical Contractor (EC), you would be aware of the current Ancillary Network Services and Metering Services charges applicable to services you provide to your customers.
    The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has approved the new regulatory charges for Essential Energy’s Ancillary Network Services and Metering Services to be implemented from 1 July 2018.

    You can read more about Essential Energy’s pricing for Ancillary Network Services and Metering Services on our website at: Essential Energy > Our Network > Network Pricing and Regulatory report > Network Pricing(External link)

    What do you need to do?
    • Review the 2018 ‘Approved’ Pricing Schedules for Ancillary Network Services and Metering Services available on the Essential Energy website
    • Accredited Service Providers, Authorised Persons and Electrical Contractors should consider pricing changes when preparing quotations for customers regarding future work
    • Ensure you communicate this information to your customers and employees
    For further information

    If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au(External link)

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    ASP Co-Design Workshop May 2018

    24 May 2018
    supporting image


    I would like to take the opportunity to thank those ASPs for their participation and attending the workshops in May 2018.

    The methodology we used to deliver these workshops recognises that for us to get different results, we need to apply a different approach. While each workshop dealt with a specific issue or problem, both workshops shared objectives that focused not only on the problems we need to solve, but how we solve problems, for example:
    • Embedding a new, collaborative approach to problem solving, recognising that the best solution is one that considers and reconciles the needs of everyone in the process – particularly the end customer
    • Prioritising progress over perfection – incremental improvement
    • Strengthening our relationship by getting to know each other and putting faces to names
    We have collected a lot of useful insights and ideas from the workshops that will feed into our next phase of work. Located on Essential Energy’s Document Library(External link) the ASP Co Design Workshops Playback document provides an overview of the workshops and a summary of the outputs.

    To keep the document as concise as possible we have not played back every piece of feedback, however all feedback has been captured.

    What have we done since?

    Since the workshops we have ran internal sessions to take two ideas from the Co-Design workshops and progress them into a working prototype that can be tested and deployed.
    • Design Certification - Application Form
    • Improving the clarity and usability of the form
    • Assurance – Inspections Matrix
    • Creating a simple, clear and risk-based methodology for inspecting works
    These prototypes are in development with the intention to test and deploy these as soon as possible.

    Next Steps

    We are out for tender for a partner to help us manage the prioritisation plan of attack, this will slow the process for a short period however we are still working on things that have been identified.

    We have a long list of issues that we need to work through over the coming weeks, months and years, this will be a significant change program for the Commercial Services Branch. In addition to short term “Quick Win” changes, we are focused on developing a detailed work plan and procuring support to help us deliver this next phase effectively.

    I will keep you informed on progress and opportunities to be involved as we firm up the plan, this will take some time. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

    Regards
    David Wilson
    Network ASP Manager
    T: 02 6589 8190
Page last updated: 17 Dec 2024, 09:30 AM