You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is Happening?
Essential Energy has reviewed and updated the Construction Schedule template (spreadsheet, version 1.4.11), the updates include:
- Separate tabs for underground cable and conduit schedules to align with CEOM7001 requirements
- A macro has been added to the underground cable and conduits tabs to automatically total the route lengths for different types of cables listed. The totals will appear as line at the bottom of the table. Note: ASPs can manually override any totals in the table if required.
- Users can ‘export to plan format’ macro as normal to format them on the ‘plan output’ worksheet.
Additionally, we recommend the following is checked prior to submitting the schedule for every project.
- Ensure the Design Submission Case number is the current one.
- The asset label field have been completed
- Complete the rows of the schedule with the parent asset first and then the child assets. E.g. Pole then crossarm
What do you need to do?
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Please download the latest version here and start using it.
- Remember every project needs to include a new excel spreadsheet as part of the Design Submission.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to impact the SEQ/NSW coast this week. This system may have significant impacts on areas serviced by Essential Energy’s network. As a result, there may be some disruption to planned works, including outages potentially not proceeding.
We’ll keep you informed as events unfold. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any concerns and questions.
What do you need to do?
- Review this information available via Essential Energy’s website.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
A new guideline for connection of multiple points of supply is now available on our Connections webpage. Click here to download a copy.
The new guideline outlines Essential Energy’s requirements and processes for multiple points of supply to a single Lot from our distribution network, clarifying when the arrangement may be allowed, the necessary documentation required and the steps to lodge a request or application.
What do you need to do?
- Review the Multiple Points of Supply Guideline. Click here to download a copy.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
Essential Energy recognises the importance of consultation and collaboration with Accredited Service Providers and Electrical Contractors working on and around our network and have held regular Focus Group session since 2018. This year we are seeking volunteers to join the Focus Group for a 12 month period. This will include attending a one hour virtual session once a month, and if required attending workshops. If you would like to make a difference and be a voice for your peers, then we want to hear from you.
If you would like to express your interest in being part of the Connections Focus Group for 2025 please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au, the group will be limited to 20 people. The Terms of Reference can be found in the annexture of CEOP2015, Contestable Works Guidelines (Terms and Conditions for Contestable Works) available on the Document Library.
What do you need to do?
Express your interest in being part of the Connections Focus Group by email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is happening?
Essential Energy understands that Level 3 ASPs can liaise with Level 1 ASPs to undertake the task of collecting network information from the field.
An authorised Level 1 ASP can carry out the measurements of overhead conductors via the use of a conductor measuring device and extendable insulated operating stick.
Before measuring any overhead conductor, the authorised ASP must contact Essential Energy to log on and log off the network.
Please note that the use of extendable insulated operating sticks in windy conditions should be avoided. Extreme care must be taken not to disturb conductors to reduce any risk of unplanned outages on the network.
What do you need to do?
- Review the above with relevant staff, if unsure please submit a Request for safety advice.
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The conductor measuring tool is available through The Energy Network (TEN) Group, click here to view.
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
Effective from 1 July 2024, customers who are connecting to our distribution network as part of a Contestable Works project must provide a Deed of Transfer to transfer gifted assets to Essential Energy.
This ensures proper execution and verification of legal documents necessary for the connection project. Detailed information including key dates and deadlines, steps to follow and important considerations are available in our Deed of Transfer Fact Sheet available on our Support page.
What do you need to do?
- Review the information above and the Deed of Transfer Fact Sheet
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
What is changing?
We’ve reviewed Clause 3.5.7 of CEOM7097 Overhead Design Manual to make it more flexible. The use of CCT for new works in P1 bushfire zones is not mandatory and Essential Energy will give due consideration of CCT in these areas and other scenarios.
Essential Energy’s Contestable Planning team will determine if CCT is required at the Design Information stage of your project, and this will be stipulated in your Design Information Pack (DIP). Our decision will be based on cost benefit and risk reduction.
As examples, use of CCT as a risk mitigation measure is appropriate for:
- high bushfire risk areas where the route is heavily treed
- a known history of external contact faults – eg wire strikes from birds or tree limbs
- managing clearances to structures or operational equipment.
When is this changing?
Effective immediately, our planners will commence assessing and determining use of CCT in P1 bushfire risk areas and including the requirement in your DIP.
Our overhead design manual will be updated in mid 2025 to include this new information.
Can I challenge a requirement to use CCT?
If you don’t agree that CCT will deliver sufficient benefits for your project, you can request a review by submitting an Enquiry Application via the Essential Connections Portal. Please provide all relevant information (eg photos of site) and justification for the review in your application.
What do you need to do?
- Review the above so you can plan designs in high-risk areas
- Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
Further Information
If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
Essential Energy and the Combined Unions met today to continue bargaining for the 2024 Enterprise Agreement. The meeting was both constructive and positive, reaching in principle agreement on a number of key matters.
Due to the constructive nature and in a sign of good faith of today’s meeting, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) have agreed to suspend all protected industrial action, effective immediately and have notified their members accordingly.
While there remains outstanding items that need to be resolved, reaching an in-principle agreement on some of the key claims is a positive step towards finalising an agreement for all Essential Energy employees.
We will continue to keep you updated.
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.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has notified Essential Energy of further proposed industrial action commencing on Wednesday 18 December 2024 till Friday 20 December 2024.
Potential Impacts
The planned industrial action is likely to create unavoidable disruptions for ASPs, contractors and customers through the possible postponement of planned work. ASPs will receive notice of planned work being postponed on the morning of the job. Notice will be provided through a phone call or email that morning.
Any job that is postponed will need to be resubmitted via the Essential Connection Portal. For projects not being administered via the Essential Connections Portal, you will need to complete and submit a ‘Request for Planned Outage’ form CEOP6013 via 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.
You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has notified Essential Energy of further proposed industrial action commencing on Thursday 12 December 2024 till Tuesday 17 December 2024.
Potential Impacts
The planned industrial action is likely to create unavoidable disruptions for ASPs, contractors and customers through the possible postponement of planned work. ASPs will receive notice of planned work being postponed on the morning of the job. Notice will be provided through a phone call or email that morning.
Any job that is postponed will need to be resubmitted via the Essential Connection Portal. For projects not being administered via the Essential Connections Portal, you will need to complete and submit a ‘Request for Planned Outage’ form CEOP6013 via 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.
Neara General Information
Using Neara - Session 1 for ASPs - Introduction and Navigation (1). (5.52 MB) (pdf)