Level 2 ASPs

Basic Connections is now live in Essential Connections. Here's what's available to help you.

Basic Connections video guides and step-by-step guides.

Links to Video guides and step-by-step guides for all key basic connections activities in Essential Connections are below.

Scheduled information and help zoom sessions are below. You can register to join any session. Click the ‘Register here’ link for the session that suits you. Tip! Save into your calendar or note down the joining details (Meeting ID and passcode).

At our recent forums, you asked for a session on what is changing in version 9 of CEOP2015 – Contestable Works Guidelines, due to be published on 1 July 2023.

We’re offering an optional session on 22 June 2023 from 10.30am – 12.00 noon.

If you would like to attend, you can click below to register, enter your details and add the invitation to your calendar:

Register Here

What do you need to do?

1. Click on ‘Register now’ and add your details to attend the information session.
2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
3. View this communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

What is Happening?

In preparation for basic connections coming into Essential Connections from 19 June 2023, there will be the following system outages:

1. 5 pm Thursday 15 June 2023 to 7am Friday 16 June 2023.
2. 5 pm Friday 16 June 2023 to 7am Monday 19 June 2023.

Essential Connections will not be available during these outage times.

Good news!

• Essential Connections portal passwords will now last 1 year/ 365 days before needing to be changed.
• You will receive a reminder 5 days before your password expires.
• This change is effective immediately and the 365 days applies from your last password change.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
2. View this communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

Please note: ESSENTIAL CONNECTIONS – SYSTEM OUTAGES

In preparation for basic connections coming into Essential Connections from 19 June 2023, there will be the following system outages:

1. 5 pm Thursday 15 June 2023 to 7am Friday 16 June 2023.
2. 5 pm Friday 16 June 2023 to 7am Monday 19 June 2023.

Essential Connections will not be available during these outage times.

Basic connections is coming into Essential Connections from 19 June 2023.

Basic Connections video guides.

Video guides for all key basic connections activities in Essential Connections are below. Next week, we will publish the step-by-step guides.

Scheduled information and help zoom sessions are below. You can register to join any session. Click the ‘Register here’ link for the session that suits you. Tip! Save into your calendar or note down the joining details (Meeting ID and passcode).

The go live date for basic connections coming into Essential Connections is 19 June 2023.

To encourage you to quickly switch across, there will be no fees for CCEWs and NOSWs submitted in Essential Connections from 19 June to 3 July. (Don’t forget, you need to submit the Intent to Connect first).

Secure Web Forms will be closed from 4 July for CCEW & NOSW submissions.

• Previous forms will still be accessible.
• Request for Service Work (ROSW) and Requisition for supply of Frequency Injection Relays (FIRs) will continue to be submitted through Secure Web Forms.

CCEWs and NOSWs will need to be submitted by the authorised/ licenced installer who tested the installation works.

You will need to be individually registered to use the portal.

• Please activate your account if you received a Welcome email from OKTA, Essential Energy’s security platform.
• Please go to Essential Connections Registration and register if you are a new user.

Intent to Connect is new. It’s the bridge between approved applications and service and/or electrical works. It will be submitted by the authorised Level 2 ASP or licenced Electrical Contractor doing the works.

Please note that customers will receive some notifications from now on so it will be important to enter customer details correctly.

Protection Settings Requests and Request for a Switchboard Review >100amps will be done in Essential Connections.

Non-standard approvals (where you seek to vary from our construction standards, the Australian / New Zealand wiring rules (AS/NZ 3000) and the NSW Service and Installation rules (SIRs)) will be submitted in Essential Connections. A fee, approved under the Regulatory Framework, will apply to non-standard approvals from 19 June 2023.

Need help? Here’s what’s available.

Self-help resources:

We will share all the links next week.

• Short videos for every activity/ form.
• Step-by-step guides.

Drop-in sessions.

We will hold information and help sessions from 13 June until late July, at 7:30am, 12 noon and 5pm. You can join a session and ask questions and get help. We will share the schedule for this next week.

Essential Energy Contact Centre.

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

Payment options.

Fees are still required to be paid upfront but there are two options:

1. The person submitting the CCEW and/ or NOSW can pay using a credit card at the time of submission.
2. The person submitting the CCEW and/ or NOSW can exit the form once they reach the payment page and have the payment made by a company administration/office employee, or by an employee of a different business, using the payment reference number found on the invoice (beginning with ‘EEI-‘). The person paying the invoice does not need to be a registered user of Essential Connections to make this payment. The case will remain in a status of ‘Draft’ and is not considered submitted until payment is made. The invoice can be found within the relevant case. The process for making a payment using this method can be found at Essential Connections Support

What do you need to do?

1. Re-read previous information to ensure you’re as ready as possible.
2. Ensure you are registered to use Essential Connections Registration.
3. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
4. View this and past communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

Here’s our latest action and information update about basic connections coming into Essential Connections Portal.

The go live date for basic connections coming into Essential Connections Portal is 19 June 2023, pending no technical challenges.

Secure Web Forms (SWF) will remain open for Certificate Compliance Electrical Works (CCEW) and/or Notification of Service Work (NOSW) 19 June 2023 - 3 July 2023 following Go-Live to give you time to submit your ITC for works beyond the end of June 2023.

But please note: To encourage you to quickly switch across to Essential Connections, there will be no fees for CCEWs and NOSWs submitted in Essential Connections Portal for the first 2 weeks. (Don’t forget, you need to submit the ITC first if the works relate to an approved connection offer).

How you’ll transition these and other basic activities from Secure Web Forms (SWF) and emails into Essential Connections Portal is set out below.

If you are doing service or electrical works between 19 June 2023 and 3 July 2023.

Works where no connection offer required.

• Complete the works submit CCEW and/or NOSW in Essential Connections Portal, Select CCEW / NOSW for ‘works where no Connection Application Required’.

Connection offer received.

• Submit Intent To Connect (ITC) for all upcoming works in the Essential Connections Portal and submit CCEW and/or NOSW in the Essential Connections Portal. There will be no fees for CCEWs and NOSWs submitted in the Essential Connections from 19 June to 3 July.
• You will need the Application case number and Essential Connections Number (ECN) to submit the ITC.
• If you did not submit the application, please ask your customer for those details (Application case number and ECN).
• Alternatively, during the period of 19 June 2023 and 3 July 2023, you can still submit CCEW and/or NOSW in Secure Web Forms (SWF). Fees still apply.

From July 4, Secure Web Forms will be switched off for CCEWs and NOSWs.

Will be read-only for access to previous records. All CCEWs and NOSWs will need to be submitted in Essential Connections Portal from 4 July.

You will need to:

1. Submit the Intent to Connect (ITC).
2. Complete other pre-installation checks if required e.g., Protection Settings & Switchboard Review Requests (switchboards >100amps) Non-Standard Approval Request.
3. Complete the works and submit CCEW and /or NOSW.

For defect rectification (including safety and private asset defects)

If your CCEW and / or NOSW was submitted in Secure Web Forms:

• During the period of 19 June 2023 and 3 July 2023 please re-submit CCEW/ NOSW in Secure Web Forms.
• After July 3, 2023, please complete and return paper copies to eir.info@essentialenergy.com.au. We will provide additional communications after Go-Live on 19 June 2023 on where to find a copy of the CCEW form to be completed.

If your CCEW and / or NOSW was submitted in Essential Connections Portal, please re-submit in Essential Connections Portal (select appropriate defect category).

NOTE:

For applications submitted in the old NECF portal (these projects have a 6-digit connection offer number as opposed to the ‘ECN-xxxxxx’ format connection offer in Essential Connections), please contact 13 23 91 and provide us the details of the NECF connection offer and we will advise you of your next steps.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
2. View this and past communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

The go live date for basic connections coming into Essential Connections Portal is 19 June 2023, pending no technical challenges.

From 19 June, Protection Settings Requests for Switchboards, Switchboard Review Requests and basic Non-Standard Approval requests will be managed in Essential Connections.

You will need to complete these where relevant before you can undertake works and submit a Certificate Compliance Electrical Works (CCEW) and / or Notification of Service Work (NOSW) via Essential Connections Portal.

Here's what to do:

I need to get Protections Settings for a Switchboard >100amps.

• Submit a Protection Setting Request for Switchboards via Essential Connections Portal.
• You will need the Essential Connections Number (ECN) and Application case number.
• If you did not submit the application, please ask your customer for those details.
• For applications submitted in the old NECF portal, please contact 13 20 80 and ask for your reference numbers so you can submit the Protection Setting Request.

I need to submit a Switchboard Review Request.

• Submit a Switchboard Review Request via Essential Connections Portal.
• You need approved Protections Settings before you can submit a Switchboard Review Request. You will need the ECN and Protection Setting Case Number to submit this form.
• All Switchboard review requests that have been submitted via email before 19 June will be processed by email. No new submissions will be accepted in the mailbox from 19 June.

I am planning works that vary from design and construction standards and the rules. I need to submit a Non-Standard Approval Request.

• Submit a Non-Standard Approval Request via Essential Connections Portal.
• You will need the Application reference numbers to submit the Non-Standard Approval (NSA). If you did not submit the application, please ask the customer for those details (Application number and ECN).
• For applications submitted in the old NECF portal, please contact 13 20 80 and ask for your reference numbers so you can submit the ITC.

Clarifying requirements for like-for like switchboard replacements >100amps: Connection application required.

Connection applications are required for replacements of any switchboards over 100amps.

This requirement aims to resolve confusion around this topic. For example, in the past some contractors / ASPs requesting switchboard reviews have found that they need to submit a connection application before they can have their switchboard reviewed due to the potential impacts of changes to electrical protection or earthing even where there is no load change.

To ensure all >100amp switchboard replacements are properly assessed as to their potential impact on our network, we will be requiring a connection application for all replacements of switchboards over 100amps. This change will come into immediate effect.

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
2. View all communications via Essential Engagement

Further Information

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

The go live date for basic connections coming into Essential Connections Portal is 19 June, pending no technical challenges. Included in this Go Live is Notice of Arrangements.

What are you doing?

I need a Notice of Arrangement.

• If a standard construction project is not being managed via Essential Connections Portal, please submit the Notice of Arrangement (NoA) request via the contestable works mailbox: contestableworks@essentialenergy.com.au.
• For all other NoA requests please submit via the Essential Connections Portal.
• Please keep an eye on information updates – we are planning to bring all NoA into Essential Connections Portal soon.
  

What do you need to do?

1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
2. View all communications via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

Getting ready for basic connections: Ceasing forward drafts of CCEWs (Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works) or NOSWs (Notices of Service Works) Switchboard review approach and Non-standard approval fee.

Here’s our latest action and information update.

Please don’t draft Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works or Notices of Service Works in Secure Web Form for works after 20th June 2023.

Essential Connections will replace Secure Web Forms and emails for basic connections activities from mid 2023. This will include submission of CCEWs (Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works) or NOSWs (Notices of Service Works).

Your action: With this in mind, please do not draft Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works or Notices of Service Works in Secure Web Form for works that will be completed on or after 20th June 2023. These will not be copied across to Essential Connections and will result in you needing to redo them.

How will Switchboard Reviews be done?

Approval to connect new and upgraded electrical installations greater than 100 Amps is dependent on provision of main switchboard information as set out in the Service and Installation Rules of NSW (Section 4, 4.15 LV Services > 100 amps).

The switchboard review process involves two steps:

1. Protection Settings Request for Switchboards to be used in the design of the switchboard.
2. Request for a Switchboard Review.

Both of these steps will be undertaken in the Essential Connections Portal by a registered user.

You will not be able to submit a protection settings request unless you have an approved connection offer . In addition, you will not be able to submit a Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works or Notices of Service Works until the Protections Settings Request and Switchboard Review are completed/ approved.

Closer to go live, we will share a short demonstration video and a step-by-step guide to show you how to submit protections settings requests and switchboard reviews. We will also cover what you need to do for a like-for-like replacements.

What’s new with non-standard approvals for basic connections: submission in Essential Connections and a new fee.

A non-standard approval is required where you seek to vary from our construction standards, the Australian / New Zealand wiring rules (AS/NZ 3000) and the NSW Service and Installation rules.

From mid 2023, basic non-standard approval will be done in the Essential Connections portal. Previously they were managed via email or phone. This will ensure a more consistent, timely response and visibility of all requests. Essential Energy will respond to a non-standard approval within 15 business days.

We are introducing a fee for basic non-standard approvals. Under the Regulatory Framework, Essential Energy is obliged to recover costs we incur during the connections process from the customers requiring the service – this includes the costs of assessing non-standard approval requests. We have been charging Level 3 ASPs this fee for several years and we are now extending this fee to cover L2 ASPs and ECs requests.

The non-standard design approval fee is an hourly rate. On average it takes approximately 30 mins to process a basic connection non-standard approval request. The fee has been approved by the Australian Energy Regulator following a thorough assessment of the costs involved in performing such services.

Closer to go live, we will share a short demonstration video and a step-by-step guide to show you how to submit a non-standard approval.

What do you need to do?

1. Please do not draft Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Works or Notices of Service Works in Secure Web Forms for works that will be completed on or after 20th June 2023.
2. Keep reading our emails about basic connections coming into Essential Connections.
3. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
4. View this and past communication via Essential Engagement.

Further Information

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

What is happening?

The AER has approved Essential Energy’s new regulatory charges for Ancillary Network Services from 1 July 2023.

As an Accredited Service Provider (ASP), Authorised Person (AUP) or Electrical Contractor (EC), please use the new charges applicable to the services you provide when preparing quotations for work to be undertaken after 30 June 2023.

What do you need to do?

1. Review the 2023-24 Pricing Schedules for Ancillary Network Services available on the Essential Energy website
2. Accredited Service Providers, Authorised Persons and Electrical Contractors should consider pricing changes when preparing quotations for customers regarding future work
3. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
4. View this communication via Essential Engagement.

Further information

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