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

  • Important Reminder to all Level 3 Designers

    about 1 month 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

    about 2 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

    about 2 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

  • Reduced staff availability for Contestable Works services

    2 months ago
    Training
    What is Happening?

    During the period from 17 June 2019 to 20 June 2019 contestable works designers and network assurance facilitators will have limited resources available as we are attending training.

    We appreciate your patience during this period. For any major issue during this period please contact David Wilson via email david.wilson@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

    What is Happening?

    During the period from 17 June 2019 to 20 June 2019 contestable works designers and network assurance facilitators will have limited resources available as we are attending training.

    We appreciate your patience during this period. For any major issue during this period please contact David Wilson via email david.wilson@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

  • Safety Brief 855 – Porcelain Fuse Assemblies

    3 months ago
    Porcelainfuseassembly
    What is Happening?

    Essential Energy has been informed by Energy Queensland that asbestos containing materials have been found in some of the fuse carriers on their 45amp LV porcelain fuse assemblies. Initial investigations at Essential Energy show that we may have some of these fuse assemblies in our network which must be treated as containing bonded asbestos, until further testing can be done by Essential Energy.

    Safety Brief 855 - Porcelain Fuse Assemblies is being shared for your information and can be accessed from Essential Energy’s Document Library

    Further Information

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

    What is Happening?

    Essential Energy has been informed by Energy Queensland that asbestos containing materials have been found in some of the fuse carriers on their 45amp LV porcelain fuse assemblies. Initial investigations at Essential Energy show that we may have some of these fuse assemblies in our network which must be treated as containing bonded asbestos, until further testing can be done by Essential Energy.

    Safety Brief 855 - Porcelain Fuse Assemblies is being shared for your information and can be accessed from Essential Energy’s Document Library

    Further Information

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

  • Draft Price Schedule for Ancillary Network Services 2019-24

    3 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 draft 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

  • Low Voltage Connection Applications for Community and Strata Title Developments

    4 months ago
    Lvconnectionapplication

    What is currently happening?

    Low Voltage (LV) connection applications for single user connections are required to be submitted via the online connection portal, this is done to determine whether the existing LV electrical network can support the connection requirements or if augmentation is required. The application requires a National Metering Identifier (NMI) which is obtained from the electricity retailer. After submission the application will be assessed, and a LV connection offer will be made. This is typically either a BASIC or STANDARD connection.

    Torrens title developments which require the LV electrical network to be extended and a physical point of...


    What is currently happening?

    Low Voltage (LV) connection applications for single user connections are required to be submitted via the online connection portal, this is done to determine whether the existing LV electrical network can support the connection requirements or if augmentation is required. The application requires a National Metering Identifier (NMI) which is obtained from the electricity retailer. After submission the application will be assessed, and a LV connection offer will be made. This is typically either a BASIC or STANDARD connection.

    Torrens title developments which require the LV electrical network to be extended and a physical point of connection to be established for each individual lot do not require a NMI or LV connection application. This is because this type of development will create multiple LV connections to the network as part of a contestable works project.

    Community and strata title developments are different as they generally make connection to the LV electrical network via a single point. These require a LV application to be submitted which details the total site load for the development. To enable an application for this type of development to be submitted, the ASP is required to obtain a NMI from the electricity retailer which is used to complete the mandatory field on the online connection portal.

    The issue with obtaining a NMI

    • Where a single new connection is required, obtaining a NMI from the electricity retailer can be done by the responsible Accredited Service Provider (ASP). The requestor contacts the retailer who provides the NMI after their requirements have been met.
    • Obtaining a NMI for a Community or Strata title development has recently been identified by several ASP’s as a very difficult task. This has been investigated internally and as a result, it has been agreed that Essential Energy will run a trial period where Essential Energy creates and issues a non-market NMI directly to Level 3 ASP for these Community or Strata title developments.
    • When Power of Choice was introduced where retailers issue electricity meters this has caused problems amongst the retailers who are unable to process a request for a NMI without a meter association.

    Requesting a Non-Market NMI

    This trial will require Level 3 ASPs to request the non-market NMI directly from the contestable works administration team, by sending an email to contestableworks@essentialenergy.com.au with the subject line of ‘Request for NMI - Community/Strata development’, the body of the email must contain the project address (including Lot & DP number) and the project/development description.

    Once this request has been validated and processed, a non-market NMI will be issued to the Level 3 ASP and this NMI will never be published to the market. It is expected that the turnaround for this service will be much quicker than the current process with the retailers.

    What do you need to do?

    1. For Community/Strata development request a non-market NMI by emailing contestableworks@essentialenergy.com.au
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation

    Further Information

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

  • Reminder Essential Energy ASP Forums March/April 2019

    5 months ago
    Forumreminderaprmar


    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs Essential Energy are holding our next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for ASPs 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:

    • Coffs Harbour 18th March 2019 (Coffs Ex-Services Club – 2-6 Vernon St Coffs Harbour)
    • Tweed Heads19th March 2019 (Tweed Heads Bowls Club – Cnr Wharf & Florence St Tweed Heads)
    • Tamworth 25th March...


    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs Essential Energy are holding our next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for ASPs 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:

    • Coffs Harbour 18th March 2019 (Coffs Ex-Services Club – 2-6 Vernon St Coffs Harbour)
    • Tweed Heads19th March 2019 (Tweed Heads Bowls Club – Cnr Wharf & Florence St Tweed Heads)
    • Tamworth 25th March 2019 (Tamworth West Leagues Club – 58 Phillip St Tamworth West)
    • Queanbeyan 2nd April 2019 (Raiders Belconnen – Hardwick Cres Holt)
    • Moruya 3rd April 2019 (Moruya Golf Club – Evans St Moruya)

    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, 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 the scheduled forum at Buronga on 11th April 2019 has been cancelled due to a lack of interest.

    Brief Agenda Items:

    Part 1 - 60 mins

    • Welcome and General ASP Information
    • 2015 review
    • 5125 review
    • Level 1 ASP agreement
    • Level 2 topics (unauthorised connections, solar connections etc)
    • Level 3 specific changes / issues
    • Standards update

    Part 2 – 60 mins

    • Subject Matter Experts (SME) spread across the room allowing ASPs to meet key people and discuss issues

    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

  • Essential Energy ASP Forums March/April 2019

    6 months ago
    Forummar2019


    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs Essential Energy are holding our next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for ASPs 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:

    • Coffs Harbour 18th March 2019 (Coffs Ex-Services Club – 2-6 Vernon St Coffs Harbour)
    • Tweed Heads19th March 2019 (Tweed Heads Bowls Club – Cnr Wharf & Florence St Tweed Heads)
    • Tamworth 25th March 2019...


    As part of our commitment to improve our relationship and communications with ASPs Essential Energy are holding our next round of forums. The purpose of these forums is for ASPs 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:

    • Coffs Harbour 18th March 2019 (Coffs Ex-Services Club – 2-6 Vernon St Coffs Harbour)
    • Tweed Heads19th March 2019 (Tweed Heads Bowls Club – Cnr Wharf & Florence St Tweed Heads)
    • Tamworth 25th March 2019 (Tamworth West Leagues Club – 58 Phillip St Tamworth West)
    • Queanbeyan 2nd April 2019 (Raiders Belconnen – Hardwick Cres Holt)
    • Moruya 3rd April 2019 (Moruya Golf Club – Evans St Moruya)
    • Buronga 11th April 2019 (Quality Hotel Mildura Grand – Seventh St Mildura)

    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, numbers attending, which forum you will be attending and anything you would like to see at our forums.


    Brief Agenda Items:

    Part 1 - 60 mins

    • Welcome and General ASP Information
    • 2015 review
    • 5125 review
    • Level 1 ASP agreement
    • Level 2 topics (unauthorised connections, solar connections etc)
    • Level 3 specific changes / issues
    • Standards update

    Part 2 – 60 mins

    • Subject Matter Experts (SME) spread across the room allowing ASPs to meet key people and discuss issues

    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

  • Broadcast - Design Certification Update

    6 months ago
    Electricadesign

    Renewal and Refurbishment of existing timber crossarms

    To prevent delays to construction of projects and unnecessary re-certification of projects the following advice is provided regarding the criteria for replacing existing timber crossarms.
    Where the project has been certified and the requirement for the replacement of existing timber crossarms has been identified by the Level 3 ASP (and detailed within the construction plan), it is important that the Level 1 ASP identify this requirement on the construction plan and ensure that the appropriate materials and equipment are on site.
    Timber termination and through strain crossarms are to be replaced with composite...


    Renewal and Refurbishment of existing timber crossarms

    To prevent delays to construction of projects and unnecessary re-certification of projects the following advice is provided regarding the criteria for replacing existing timber crossarms.
    Where the project has been certified and the requirement for the replacement of existing timber crossarms has been identified by the Level 3 ASP (and detailed within the construction plan), it is important that the Level 1 ASP identify this requirement on the construction plan and ensure that the appropriate materials and equipment are on site.
    Timber termination and through strain crossarms are to be replaced with composite fibre crossarms wherever possible, timber pin crossarms are to be replaced with composite fibre crossarms where assessed as necessary (by the L3 ASP) or where the pin insulators must be replaced.

    Additions to the document library

    To assist with Level 3 ASP design submissions, files which were developed as part of the recent revision of CEOM7001 will be zipped and added to the external Document Library labelled 'Level 3 ASP Design Submission Files'.
    The files consist of the symbology which contains many of the cells and line styles, a drawing checklist which relates to the construction drawing requirements, and the cell library files which are utilised with Essential Energy Micro-station preferences.
    As Essential Energy uses Micro Station as our Distribution Design drawing package the cell library files being provided will only be in Micro Station format.
    The drawing examples contained within CEOM7001 are also in the process of being finalised to be added to the document library but at this stage will only be provided in Micro-station format.

    Increase in design temperature to 100 degrees and timeframe for compliance

    Recent changes have been made to the overhead design manual CEOM7097 to increase the required design temperature from 90 degrees to 100 degrees.
    In addition to the background already provided within the Construction News, the change to the design temperature has been made to effectively compensate for appropriate creep within design rather than in construction. Over tensioning conductors in the construction phase has been found to potentially over stress supporting structures and mis-interpretation of stringing charts.
    The new requirement will enable creep temperature compensation to be utilised within the design phase and allow for a single design safety and creep compensation figure, this removes the need for conductors to be over tensioned at site to compensate for conductor creep.
    The timeframe to implement the changes to design temperature should be incorporated as soon as practical into new design submissions. The final date for compliance with the new design temperature will be 30 March 2019.

    Utilisation of cadastral data provided by Essential Energy

    Producing construction plans requires the use of cadastral data, this can be obtained by request directly from Essential Energy’s website - https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/overhead-network-maps
    When using cadastral data supplied either by Essential Energy or other source, it is important that this data is setup within the construction plan correctly to enable the information to be referenced back into Essential Energy’s GIS.
    Setting the drawing up with the cadastral data in the correct spatial location should be done as part of every drawing creation and will greatly assist the asset closeout team, attached to this communication is an instruction sheet to assist and further explain the requirement. Instructions have been provided in both MicroStation and AutoCAD format.

    What do you need to do?

    1. Review and download relevant documents located on Essential Energy's Document Library
    2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation

    Further Information

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