ASP and Electrical Contractor Briefing 2025 Mid North Coast Floods

Flood Recovery

The recent floods on the Mid North Coast and other areas of NSW have caused catastrophic property damage for our customers. Essential Energy is committed to supporting Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) and Electrical contractors safely reconnect properties after thorough testing has been completed.

Safety

At all times consider the safety of yourself, customers, and Essential Energy team members when testing and reconnecting customers.

Ensure the following:

• Follow your own safety management systems and safe work methods.
• Ensure you have isolated all incoming supplies (including solar and batteries), even if the network is deenergised.
• Disconnect and isolate faulty circuits at the switchboard. Prevent customers reconnecting until inspected and tested safe.
• Do not leave exposed cabling, General Purpose Outlet (GPO) and light terminals after gyprock has been removed.
• A GPO mounted in the switchboard can provide electricity supply if all other circuits are isolated. Ensure that all new installations are installed to current standards and protected by a Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection (RCBO).  

CCEW

All premises must be inspected, tested, and repaired before reconnecting. A Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) must be submitted via Essential Connections portal immediately after the premise is deemed safe to connect. When submitting the CCEW in the Essential Connection Portal, select "Natural Disaster" in the special circumstances field to help Essential Energy process it efficiently.

The premises do not have to be brought up to currents standards if only safety testing and no additional equipment is installed.

Only accredited and authorised Level 2 ASPs can reconnect disconnected premises. Electrical contractors can either contact a Level 2 ASP or Essential Energy will reconnect upon receiving a CCEW. Service Protection Devices (SPDs) with a sealed escutcheon plate are the only exception for electrical contractors.

NOSW

A Level 2 ASP must submit a NOSW via the Essential Energy Connections portal immediately after reconnecting supply to premises. When submitting the NOSW in the Essential Connection Portal, select "Natural Disaster" in the special circumstances field, this notifies Essential Energy that the premise has been reconnected and avoids our crews having to re-visit premises. Replacement of damaged services can only be completed by Essential Energy.

A Level 2 ASP authorised person can perform the below:

• Class 2A – Reconnect at the connection point only
• Class 2B – Replace the Service Protection Device (SPD) and reenergise customers isolated at the switchboard.
• Class 2C – Replace the Service Protection Device (SPD), reenergise customers isolated at the switchboard and reconnect at the connection point and point of common coupling
• Class 2D – can only reenergise at the Service Protection Device (SPD) / Meter Protection Device (MPD).

INFORMATION FOR RE-ENERGISATION BY LEVEL 2 ASPS

Required Actions for appropriately authorised Level 2 ASPs when re-energising premises with flood affected meters and FIRs:

1. Confirm a CCEW has been submitted, and the customer’s electrical system has been thoroughly checked, tested and is safe to be energised.
2. Ensure submerged meters and load control equipment have been bypassed. Refer to the Meter Bypass Guide for instructions on bypassing meters located at Essential Energy’s website.
3. After reconnection, submit a Notification of Service Work (NOSW) through Essential Connections portal. For consistency and clarity, in the ‘Comments’ field make the following note:

• For sites with meters only note ‘ALL METERS BYPASSED’
• For sites with meters and an FIR note ‘ALL METERS AND FIR BYPASSED’

Essential Energy Contacts

• Essential Energy General Enquiries – 13 23 91, option 2 for Tech Support
• Level 2 Supervisor – Mitch Lotze 0400 089 800
• Network Assurance Manager – Kevin Miller 0407 784 701

Further Information

For more information, visit Essential Energy's web site: Floods and our network. If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.