Level 3 ASPs


Level 3 ASPs design overhead and/or underground distribution and Sub - transmission network assets.

  • Proactive discussions, engagement and insights from Level 3 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


Level 3 ASPs design overhead and/or underground distribution and Sub - transmission network assets.

  • Proactive discussions, engagement and insights from Level 3 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

  • BetterConnect - Design

    1 day ago
    Betterconnect
    What's Happening?

    Over the last twelve months Essential Energy has engaged with ASPs extensively to understand the many pain points you have in dealing with our connections process.

    We are happy to advise that we have recently received approval to implement a pilot product called Salesforce to automate the core Contestable Design Processes. The success of this pilot will assist us in formalisation and implementation of a final solution.

    The project will automate the following processes:

    Request:

    • Design Information
    • Asset labels
    • Notice of Arrangement Only
    Submit:

    • Design Certification package
    • Easement Documents
    • Enquiry

    What's Happening?

    Over the last twelve months Essential Energy has engaged with ASPs extensively to understand the many pain points you have in dealing with our connections process.

    We are happy to advise that we have recently received approval to implement a pilot product called Salesforce to automate the core Contestable Design Processes. The success of this pilot will assist us in formalisation and implementation of a final solution.

    The project will automate the following processes:

    Request:

    • Design Information
    • Asset labels
    • Notice of Arrangement Only
    Submit:

    • Design Certification package
    • Easement Documents
    • Enquiry

    This automation will deliver a more efficient process with faster turnaround times, seamless collaboration with Essential Energy Design and Certification staff, and greater transparency of job status.

    This project is the first stage of a larger program of continuous improvement work planned by Essential Energy, with future stages to incorporate more of the Contestable Design processes, as well as construction, commissioning and inspection processes.

    Implementation Approach

    We have engaged an external provider with significant experience in developing process automation. They previously implemented this same product for the automation of the connections process at PowerCor/CitiPower.

    We have also formed a Level 3 ASP Reference Group to work with us through the development stage of the project to ensure what is delivered is fit for purpose for both ASPs and Essential Energy.

    Communications

    We will communicate progress on the project to all ASPs on a regular basis. Once the system becomes available, we will look at running zoom sessions to demonstrate the system. This will be offered to all interested Level 3 ASPs.

    More information about the BetterConnect project will be included in the October 2019 ASP Forums - see Essential Engagement for more details on forum locations and timing.

    Training and Education

    We are in the process of developing our Training and Education program and will be working with the ASP Reference group to understand the best way to deploy training and education to all Level 3 ASPs.
    We will provide more details on this as we get closer to releasing the system to all ASPs.

    Questions

    Questions can be directed to: aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au

  • Essential Energy customer satisfaction research

    1 day ago
    Woolcroft
    As part of Essential Energy’s commitment to continuous improvement, we are seeking feedback from our customers and business partners about how easy we are to do business with.

    To facilitate this, we have appointed an independent research organisation, Woolcott Research & Engagement.

    Over the next few weeks, Woolcott may contact you to participate in a survey that will assess your satisfaction with our service delivery and operational performance. Your input is needed to help Essential Energy optimise customer outcomes and ensure our operations are aligned to your needs.

    Essential Energy encourages you to participate and we look forward to receiving...

    As part of Essential Energy’s commitment to continuous improvement, we are seeking feedback from our customers and business partners about how easy we are to do business with.

    To facilitate this, we have appointed an independent research organisation, Woolcott Research & Engagement.

    Over the next few weeks, Woolcott may contact you to participate in a survey that will assess your satisfaction with our service delivery and operational performance. Your input is needed to help Essential Energy optimise customer outcomes and ensure our operations are aligned to your needs.

    Essential Energy encourages you to participate and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

    Further Information

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

  • Safety Brief 878 - Essential Energy Aware Tape

    12 days ago
    Ee awaretape


    What is Happening?

    Essential Energy have now adopted the use of plastic tape, called ‘Essential Energy Aware’ tape – which identifies that a site has been visited by one of our workers and that the asset/s have been ‘made safe’.

    This increases visibility for members of the public and to enable Essential Energy to highlight sites which have been assessed and made safe – prior to permanent repairs being carried out at the time, but instead will need to be re-visited at a later stage for the permanent repairs to take place.

    Safety Brief 878 – Essential Energy Aware Tape...



    What is Happening?

    Essential Energy have now adopted the use of plastic tape, called ‘Essential Energy Aware’ tape – which identifies that a site has been visited by one of our workers and that the asset/s have been ‘made safe’.

    This increases visibility for members of the public and to enable Essential Energy to highlight sites which have been assessed and made safe – prior to permanent repairs being carried out at the time, but instead will need to be re-visited at a later stage for the permanent repairs to take place.

    Safety Brief 878 – Essential Energy Aware Tape is being shared for your information and can be accessed from Essential Energy’s Document Library or Essential Engagement.

    Further Information

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

  • Reminder Essential Energy ASP Forums October 2019

    19 days ago
    Forumreminderaprmar
    What is Happening?

    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs, Essential Energy
    are holding the next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for an ASP to come along and hear
    about the latest news in the ASP space and to ask questions or raise issues with representatives from
    various Essential Energy teams.

    Dates and locations of ASP forums:

    • Lismore Monday 14th October - Lismore Workers Club
    • Port Macquarie Tuesday 15th October - The Westport Club
    • Bathurst Tuesday 22nd October - Panthers Bathurst
    • Dubbo Wednesday 23rd October - West Dubbo Bowling Club...

    What is Happening?

    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs, Essential Energy
    are holding the next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for an ASP to come along and hear
    about the latest news in the ASP space and to ask questions or raise issues with representatives from
    various Essential Energy teams.

    Dates and locations of ASP forums:

    • Lismore Monday 14th October - Lismore Workers Club
    • Port Macquarie Tuesday 15th October - The Westport Club
    • Bathurst Tuesday 22nd October - Panthers Bathurst
    • Dubbo Wednesday 23rd October - West Dubbo Bowling Club (Club Dubbo)
    • Albury Tuesday 29th October - Commercial Club Albury
    • Wagga Wagga Wednesday 30th October - Rules Club Wagga Wagga

    Forums will commence from 5pm at the above locations, with light refreshments available. To determine
    venue sizes we would appreciate any ASPs who wish to attend complete a survey or email
    aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au with company name, ASP level, numbers attending, which forum you will be attending and anything you would like to see at our forums.

    Thank you to those that have already expressed interest in attending our forums, please be advise that if you are attending one or more of our forums we require notification, this will enable us to establish the validity of this forum. At this stage some of the locations have small numbers and may be cancelled.

    Brief Agenda Items:

    • Standards News
    • Safety Presentation/Learnings from Incidents
    • CCEW & NOSW Process Changes
    • Designer Platform Integration
    • Better Connect System Upgrade Project Update
    • Design & Certification Process Updates
    • Training News

    What do you need to do?

    1. Please complete the survey at engage.essentialenergy.com.au/ASP by first Signing In then clicking on your relevant ASP level, then go into Surveys & Forms
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

    Further Information

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

  • Maclean Power items on Approved Materials List

    about 1 month ago
    Aml


    Background

    In late April 2019, Maclean Power decided to close all local supply operations to Essential Energy. Its representatives advised that they were willing to accept orders for 200+ items Essential Energy had on contracts/supply arrangements up until 17 May 2019 (effectively providing three weeks’ notice), after which no Accredited Service Provider or Essential Energy could order those items from Maclean Power. To fulfil delivery of goods ordered by 17 May 2019, Maclean Power would remain open until 30 August 2019, but it would cease to be an entity and no deliveries would be made after that date.

    Maclean Power...


    Background

    In late April 2019, Maclean Power decided to close all local supply operations to Essential Energy. Its representatives advised that they were willing to accept orders for 200+ items Essential Energy had on contracts/supply arrangements up until 17 May 2019 (effectively providing three weeks’ notice), after which no Accredited Service Provider or Essential Energy could order those items from Maclean Power. To fulfil delivery of goods ordered by 17 May 2019, Maclean Power would remain open until 30 August 2019, but it would cease to be an entity and no deliveries would be made after that date.

    Maclean Power representatives also initially advised, and subsequently confirmed, that these items could not be sourced from a local dealer.

    Since Essential Energy and Accredited Service Providers were unable to place orders with Maclean Power from 17 May 2019, it was removed from our Approved Materials List (AML) on 8 August 2019.

    Change of Position

    On 31 August 2019, Maclean Power sent Essential Energy a letter stating that it had partnered with The Energy Network (TEN) to continue to supply the items it had previously provided into Australia.

    TEN approached us, asking for all Maclean Power items to be reinstated to the AML.

    Next Step

    Given the unforeseen circumstances above, Essential Energy will formally reinstate the majority of Maclean Power items in the next version (Version 48) of the AML. In the interim, Accredited Service Providers can proceed subject to the below, on the basis that Maclean Power products are approved products for use on Essential Energy’s network.

    It is important to note, however, that the 20 items listed below will not be approved for future use on Essential Energy’s network. Accredited Service Providers are granted a 12-month grace period from 11 September 2019 to exhaust stocks of these 20 items:

    Cat. No.

    Description

    Maclean Power Part Number

    107900

    Hook Tongue 70kN Forged Steel Latched

    THL-70X

    111228

    Twisted Eye Tongue 70kN Steel

    TET-70X

    111230

    Eye Tongue Twisted 120kN Steel

    TET-120X

    111240

    Tongue Clevis 70kN Forged Steel

    CT-70X

    111530

    Thimble Socket 70kN

    SOCT-70

    111560

    Thimble Clevis 70kN Al

    CTHA-2600

    111590

    Thimble Clevis 70kN Cast Iron

    CTHI-1850X

    111593

    Thimble Stay 160kN 75mm Diam

    SW-75-22

    111594

    Thimble Stay 200kN 150mm Diam

    SW150MCI-32

    266200

    Clamp Susp 10-25mm Angle Al

    AASC-100250

    266208

    Clamp Susp 6-16mm Angle Al

    AASC-060160

    266212

    Clamp Susp 6-15.9mm Offset

    DSCO-0616

    266216

    Clamp 7/3.00 Suspension Al

    ASC-070210-N

    266220

    Clamp 19/3.75 Suspension Al

    ASC-120280-N

    266224

    Clamp Susp 21-27mm Trunnion Al

    TSC-1327-N

    271620

    Ball Eye Link 70kN Forged Steel

    BEL-70X

    272430

    Shackle D Stirrup Assembly 70kN

    D SHACKLE-70X

    603450

    Shackle Bow 70kN Forged Steel Clevis Pin

    AS-70-RX

    603453

    Shackle Bow 120kN Forged Steel Clevis Pin

    AS-120-RX

    603780

    Thimble 20mm Open Galv

    OGT-22F


    Accredited Service Providers are advised that the above Maclean Power products must not be installed on Essential Energy’s network after 11 September 2020. Where stocks of these materials manufactured by Maclean Power are held it may be pertinent to use them prior to other manufacturers stock prior to the end of the grace period.

    This information will also be communicated during Essential Energy’s ASP forums scheduled in October 2019.

    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

  • Relocation of third party attachments

    about 1 month ago
    Third party
    Essential Energy has existing joint use arrangements and operates Facilities Access Agreements (FAA’s) within the network that allows third-party attachments to be installed on Essential Energy assets, e.g. telecommunication cables on poles.

    Where third-party attachments are impacted as part of the project scope, e.g. to conduct pole relocation or replacement, the Level 3 ASP is responsible for identifying and verifying the third-party attachments and to communicate with the attachment owner as part of the design process. Any impacted third-party attachments are to be identified on the construction plan.

    The Level 1 ASP cannot complete the relocation works of a third-party...

    Essential Energy has existing joint use arrangements and operates Facilities Access Agreements (FAA’s) within the network that allows third-party attachments to be installed on Essential Energy assets, e.g. telecommunication cables on poles.

    Where third-party attachments are impacted as part of the project scope, e.g. to conduct pole relocation or replacement, the Level 3 ASP is responsible for identifying and verifying the third-party attachments and to communicate with the attachment owner as part of the design process. Any impacted third-party attachments are to be identified on the construction plan.

    The Level 1 ASP cannot complete the relocation works of a third-party attachment (unless otherwise agreed with the attachment owner) and must organise the third-party attachment owner to attend site to complete the relocation of their attachment. The attachment owner may charge a fee to conduct the relocation works.

    To facilitate this process, CEOF6586 - Advice of Pole Maintenance Form is to be completed by the Level 1 ASP and sent to the attachment owner as part of the notification for construction. To avoid doubt of the communication cable owner, both Telstra and NBN should be notified, and the confirmed cable owner will respond by returning the form to the Level 1 ASP. The Level 1 ASP is to use the contact details provided on the form to coordinate the construction works.

    This information has now been added to Design Information packs and CEOF6586 - Advice of Pole Maintenance Form is now available on Essential Energy Document Library.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Review the above information and refer to CEOF6586 - Advice of Pole Maintenance located on Essential Energy’s Document Library
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation
    3. View this communication via Essential Engagement at engage.essentialenergy.com.au/ASP

    Further Information

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

  • Essential Energy ASP Forums October 2019

    about 1 month ago
    Forumoct19
    What is Happening?

    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs, Essential Energy
    are holding the next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for an ASP to come along and hear
    about the latest news in the ASP space and to ask questions or raise issues with representatives from
    various Essential Energy teams.

    Dates and locations of ASP forums:

    • Lismore Monday 14th October - Lismore Workers Club
    • Port Macquarie Tuesday 15th October - The Westport Club
    • Bathurst Tuesday 22nd October - Panthers Bathurst
    • Dubbo Wednesday 23rd October -...

    What is Happening?

    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs, Essential Energy
    are holding the next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for an ASP to come along and hear
    about the latest news in the ASP space and to ask questions or raise issues with representatives from
    various Essential Energy teams.

    Dates and locations of ASP forums:

    • Lismore Monday 14th October - Lismore Workers Club
    • Port Macquarie Tuesday 15th October - The Westport Club
    • Bathurst Tuesday 22nd October - Panthers Bathurst
    • Dubbo Wednesday 23rd October - West Dubbo Bowling Club (Club Dubbo)
    • Albury Tuesday 29th October - Commercial Club Albury
    • Wagga Wagga Wednesday 30th October - Rules Club Wagga Wagga

    Forums will commence from 5pm at the above locations, with light refreshments available. To determine
    venue sizes we would appreciate any ASPs who wish to attend complete a survey or email
    aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au with company name, ASP level, numbers attending, which forum you will be attending and anything you would like to see at our forums.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Please complete the survey at engage.essentialenergy.com.au/ASP click on your relevant ASP level, then go into Surveys & Forms
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

    Further Information

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

  • Important Reminder to all Level 3 Designers

    3 months ago
    Electricadesign
    Design Information Package (DIP)

    Essential Energy have been made aware on several occasions where designs have been completed by Level 3 Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) as a desktop only design and no site inspection has been undertaken. Level 3 ASPs are reminded that as per CEOP2015 General Terms and Conditions for Contestable Work –

    Section 5.5.2 Design Information Package:
    Design information is provided in good faith from Essential Energy records and the information
    provided by the applicant. Essential Energy does not warrant or accept liability for inaccuracies or
    incomplete information. The applicant must inform Essential Energy of any conflict with...

    Design Information Package (DIP)

    Essential Energy have been made aware on several occasions where designs have been completed by Level 3 Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) as a desktop only design and no site inspection has been undertaken. Level 3 ASPs are reminded that as per CEOP2015 General Terms and Conditions for Contestable Work –

    Section 5.5.2 Design Information Package:
    Design information is provided in good faith from Essential Energy records and the information
    provided by the applicant. Essential Energy does not warrant or accept liability for inaccuracies or
    incomplete information. The applicant must inform Essential Energy of any conflict with the
    information supplied as soon as it becomes evident during design or construction of the project.

    Level 3 ASPs are to ensure site inspections are undertaken and all information and documentation is correct prior to the submission of the design and subsequent construction by the Level 1 ASP. Completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment REF Worksheet (CEOF1070.02) for any project requires a declaration on page 18 to be completed acknowledging that, the person completing the document has visited the site prior to the commencement of the proposed works.

    Updates to DIP General Information section

    The Design Information Package template is currently being updated to provide information regarding third party attachments and additional advice for lots within a subdivision which may be further subdivided. Once these changes are finalised, they will be implemented into the general information section of all DIPs.

    Civil work for substation sites

    Padmount substation sites are a critical component of URD projects and site selection is a very important component of producing a compliant design. Padmount sites which will be impacted by civil works requirements need to be identified in the early stages of a project to ensure this does impact the delivery of the construction phase.

    Retaining walls which are required to support a cut or fill situation for a padmount substation need to be designed and certified by a civil engineer and this certification needs to be presented and endorsed by Essential Energy prior to the design submission. Retaining walls should not be constructed within the boundaries of the padmount substation easement.

    There have been a number of recent projects where retaining walls where required at the substation site and the required information has only presented after the original design submission. Identification of retaining walls on a construction plan needs to be detailed where they will have a direct impact on the electricity assets.

    Vegetation removal and identification

    Recent projects examples have highlighted the importance of the identification of existing vegetation on construction plans. Construction of padmount substation sites under trees or deviating from the correct cable alignment are the direct result of construction plans not reflecting the current site conditions.

    It is the Level 3 ASPs responsibility to ensure that the construction plan depicts the actual site conditions and what will also be constructed. Not identifying vegetation on plans which incur construction defects will require input from the Level 3 ASP which can have significant cost impacts to the project.
    Vegetation removal requires the development of a vegetation management plan in many cases and this should be presented along with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and part of the design submission.

    Design Information Applications (DIA)

    The accuracy and completeness of the Design Information Application (CEOF6010) Is important in ensuring that the Design Information Package can be developed and issued as efficiently as possible. In order to further streamline and eliminate delays the admin team have been filtering applications to ensure they are submitted fully completed and with the necessary attachments. The requirements were communicated across the latest ASP forums and the presentation from those forums can be accessed via this link: engage.essentialenergy.com.au/ASP.

    The accuracy and completeness of DIA submissions will be very important as we continue to improve processing efficiency and remove delays.

    Provision for large corner lots in a URD

    When preparing conceptual designs for subdivisions which contain large corner lots, there should be consideration given to the potential to further subdivide. If the intent to further subdivide larger lots is known at the development stage of the electricity requirements, it is acceptable to produce a design which allows for the infrastructure to be installed at either corner of the lots to facilitate a two-lot subdivision.

    To ensure new lots will be suitably serviced and future requirements met, as a minimum a single service point will be installed on larger corner lots with a provisional conduit installed to allow an additional connection point to be installed on the other lot boundary without the requirements for further trenching and excavation works.

    Enhancement Letters

    Notification to existing lot owners is extremely important to avoid unwanted delays to a project when it enters construction phase. This is a reminder that part of the process to notify land owners requires a site meeting, to provide effected people an opportunity to be consulted and subsequent to this an enhancement letter would generally be sent out. Enhancement letters should not refer to completion of the project on behalf of or for Essential Energy as a contractor. Letters should identify the scope of the works and the responsible Level 3 ASP with the addition of the Level 1 ASP details if available.

    Further Information

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


  • 2019 Underground Cables Seminar

    4 months ago
    Underground residential power distribution
    What is Happening?

    The Australian CIGRE Panel APB1, which deals with underground cables, has identified a general, industry-wide lack of underground cable systems experience and knowledge.

    To address this, the Panel is planning to organise a three-day information and education seminar in Sydney later this year.

    Discussions and presentations will cover all aspects of design, installation, maintenance, etc. of underground cable systems. At least one international expert will be attending as a guest speaker, and the seminar will also provide great networking opportunities.

    A daily fee will apply. The amount is yet to be decided, but the panel...

    What is Happening?

    The Australian CIGRE Panel APB1, which deals with underground cables, has identified a general, industry-wide lack of underground cable systems experience and knowledge.

    To address this, the Panel is planning to organise a three-day information and education seminar in Sydney later this year.

    Discussions and presentations will cover all aspects of design, installation, maintenance, etc. of underground cable systems. At least one international expert will be attending as a guest speaker, and the seminar will also provide great networking opportunities.

    A daily fee will apply. The amount is yet to be decided, but the panel is proposing to keep this to a minimum to encourage participation.

    The Panel is keen to gauge the level of interest ASP Level 1s and Level 3s have in attending this type of seminar. Also, since seminar details are still being decided, your feedback is welcome and can be emailed to Panel member Graeme Barnewell. For example, would you prefer two days, rather than three?
    Would you like to nominate specific topics to be covered?

    Additionally,

    What do you need to do?

    1. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
    2. Please email your interest in attending, together with any feedback, to Graeme Barnwell at graeme.barnewall@essentialenergy.com.au.

  • Reminder - Price Schedule for Ancillary Network Services 2019-24

    4 months ago
    Aers draft aer ee 2019 2024

    Background

    Essential Energy recently received the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Final Distribution Determination for Ancillary Network Services covering the 2019-24 Regulatory Control Period (RCP). This determination regulates the pricing structure for Essential Energy to provide services to external customers.

    What does this mean for you?

    From 1 July 2019, Essential Energy will implement approved Ancillary Network Services as per the AER’s determination.

    To help you understand any changes in services and charges, we have developed supporting information and application guidelines by ASP level. These documents will be located on Essential Energy’s Document Library.

    Please note, however, that throughout the...


    Background

    Essential Energy recently received the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Final Distribution Determination for Ancillary Network Services covering the 2019-24 Regulatory Control Period (RCP). This determination regulates the pricing structure for Essential Energy to provide services to external customers.

    What does this mean for you?

    From 1 July 2019, Essential Energy will implement approved Ancillary Network Services as per the AER’s determination.

    To help you understand any changes in services and charges, we have developed supporting information and application guidelines by ASP level. These documents will be located on Essential Energy’s Document Library.

    Please note, however, that throughout the 2019-24 RCP, Essential Energy may introduce several new regulatory services in targeted areas, based on external feedback, statutory changes and to better reflect the way services are provided.

    Additionally, implementation of the AER’s determination by Essential Energy from 1 July 2019 will incur CPI and other cost increases each year until 30 June 2024. ASPs should review service and price changes when preparing quotations for future work.

    Where is information about the changes available?

    What do you need to do?

    1. Review the Price Schedule for Ancillary Network Services 1 July 2019 and the ASP Change Overview located on Essential Energy’s Document Library and Essential Engagement
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation

    Further Information

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