Commercial and Industrial Connections

We plan upgrading work on our network months, sometimes years, in advance and this work is often driven by predictions on load growth. The more we know about possible new connections, the better we are able to plan for future and to avoid delays in service. All information given to PowerNet about possible development will be treated as confidential.

Information about the possible electrical loading i.e. will it be medium or large, approximately where the development is likely to be, and a timeframe will be required.

We will also need a schedule of any motors to be used. Normally your electrician will complete this information as part of the application.

Installation Connection Application

What factors have to be considered by PowerNet when processing an application?

  • How much electricity is required at the new site and how will it be supplied?
  • How much electricity is currently being supplied on that power line and whether it will be large enough to cope with the new power demand or will the power line need to be upgraded?
  • What other activity may be planned or likely to occur in the area in the next few years?
  • Will the new power line have an environmental impact and who should be consulted?
  • If a resource consent or an easement is required, how will that affect the application?
  • How should the new power line be designed?
  • What materials are required to build the new power line and their availability?
  • Can PowerNet complete the work within the timeframe to meet the customers expectations?
  • What specialist contractors may need to be involved?
  • If the power has to be turned off when building the new line, who will that affect and what will the impact be?

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What about Dairy Farm Connections?

Converting to dairying or needing to alter an existing power connection, we encourage you to make contact with PowerNet as early as possible.

The expected number of dairy conversions in the next few years is likely to have a significant impact on our electricity network. In some cases power lines and equipment will need upgraded to deliver power to customers in areas with substantial growth.

Most people are aware of the pressure many businesses face trying to cope with the current number of dairy conversions. This growth is good news for Southland. PowerNet wants to provide the most efficient cost effective service possible to customers, however as is the case with a number of other businesses we have a finite number of qualified staff and contractors to complete the work. We are actively seeking experienced people, employing trainees and looking at ways to streamline internal processes but this takes time.

We plan upgrading work on our network months, some times years, in advance and this work is often driven by predictions on load growth. The more we know about possible new connections, the better we are able to plan for future and to avoid delays in service. All information given to PowerNet about possible development will be treated as confidential.

Please pick up the phone and call one of our Connection Team if you are considering any such development on phone 03 211 1899.  Thank you.

What type of information do we need?
Initially we just need a bit of information about the possible electrical loading i.e. will it be a small, medium or large dairy shed, approximately where the development is likely to be, and a timeframe. It is also handy if you can find a pole number so that we can accurately locate the specific area on our mapping system.

Closer to the time we will need an Installation Connection Application completed with a range of information including the supply capacity required. We will also need detailed information on a site plan showing the specific location of the dairy shed and a schedule of the motors to be used. Normally your electrician will complete this information.

Installation Connection Application

What factors have to be considered by PowerNet when processing an application?
  • How much electricity is required at the new site and how will it be supplied?
  • How much electricity is currently being supplied on that power line and whether it will be large enough to cope with the new power demand or will the power line need to be upgraded?
  • What other activity may be planned or likely to occur in the area in the next few years?
  • Will the new power line have an environmental impact and who should be consulted?
  • If a resource consent or an easement is required, how will that affect the application?
  • How should the new power line be designed?
  • What materials are required to build the new power line and their availability?
  • Can PowerNet’s contractors complete the work within the timeframe to meet the customers expectations?
  • What other specialist contractors may need to be involved?
  • If the power has to be turned off when building the new line, who will that affect and what will the impact be?

Click on this link to find out more information about easements.

What about motors?

Motors can affect customers, equipment, and cause network fluctuations.  PowerNet manages motor installations to minimise the effects of their starting across the network and to ensure they will be operated with an appropriate power factor.

Most electric motors draw a very high level of power when starting up. This brief high loading can cause a resulting voltage fluctuation. That fluctuation can have effects ranging from annoyance to neighbouring customers, through to damage to equipment, such as appliances.

Once operating, most motors have a poor power factor which if left uncorrected draws more current from the network than is really necessary for the equipment being driven. Customers are required to fit power factor improvement equipment to match the size of their motors.

If you wish to connect motors to the electricity network please complete an  online installation connection application and include a motor installation form detailing:

  • how many motors will be used
  • their power rating and type
  • how often they will be started
  • what starting method they will use
  • confirmation they will have power factor correction
  • what load characteristics they have.

We appreciate as much prior notice as possible to help us meet your timing requirements.

Policies relating to Installation Connections are contained in the PowerNet Installation Connection Standard.

What about power factor?

Power factor is the ratio between the amount of power that flows through the lines (measured in kVA) and the actual amount of energy delivered (measured in kW). Or in other words power factor is a measure of how effectively electricity is being used.  The ideal, or maximum power factor, is 100% (normally stated as 1.0). Poor power factor causes the network owner to have to build larger lines to maintain the required supply levels.

The most common equipment for which power factor is a concern is electric motors. For instance a motor may operate with a power factor as low as 0.75 (75%), therefore it is only using 75% of the incoming electricity. This means there is greater demand placed on the electricity network, because the lines have to deliver the full 100%, or 33% more electricity than is really needed to get the job done.

It makes sense to try to increase the power factor at an installation, so that the electricity network can be constructed to the smallest size that will satisfactorily deliver the power required by the customers. Thus the costs of running the network are kept to the minimum, which will be reflected in the cheapest costs for the customers.

PowerNet does not charge individual customers for poor power factor, however we are presently investigating methods of applying such penalty charges.

Poor power factor can be rectified, please ask your electrician for more information.