Protection settings and switchboard review commence charging ANS fees 1 January 2027

What is happening?

From 1 January 2027, Essential Energy will commence charging Ancillary Network Service (ANS) for protection settings advice and switchboard reviews. These fees will recover the cost of providing these specialist engineering services.

For a combined switchboard rated above 100 A, the services include:

• Protection settings (R3a): 1 hour
• Switchboard review (R2a): 2 hours

The invoice for both services will be generated after the protection settings have been issued and before the switchboard review is completed.

Note: This change was previously communicated as part of the annual ANS change overview commencing on 1 October 2026 and has been extended to 1 January 2027.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
2. Refer to the current Price Schedule for Ancillary Network Services available on the Essential Energy website.
3. Consider these charges when preparing future quotes for customers where protection settings advice and/or switchboard reviews are required.
4. View this communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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