Distributed Generation
Distributed Generation (DG) means equipment used, or proposed to be used, for generating electricity that is:
- connected, or proposed to be connected, to our network that is directly or indirectly connected to the grid, or to your installation that is connected to our distribution network
- capable of injecting electricity into our distribution network.
Congestion
Export congestion occurs when electricity injected into our network causes a component in the network (for example, a line) to operate beyond its rated maximum capacity or give rise to an unacceptably high level of voltage at the point of connection to the network. The purpose of identifying areas of the network that are subject to export congestion is to provide you, at the earliest possible time, with information that may impact your decision to invest in distributed generation. Click here to view our Congestion Policy
Congestion Levels for the PowerNet managed Networks are included below:
| Area | Congestion Level |
|---|---|
Presently there are no specific locations on the PowerNet managed network at which PowerNet is aware of export congestion for small-scale generation connected to the LV network or at which PowerNet expects export congestion for small-scale generation to occur within the next 12 months.
However, it is highly likely that export congestion will occur as more generation is connected to the network and it is vital that people considering installing new or additional small-scale generation follow all relevant PowerNet processes (including the application form and the planning guide). Connection of large scale generation (1MW or above) will always be engineered on a case-by-case basis.
Charges
Charges associated with processing applications to connect to generation systems are listed below in Table 1. Approval will not be processed prior to payment of fees being received in full.
| DG Capacity | Application Fee (NZD incl. GST) | Witness and Commissioning Test Fee (NZD incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to and including 10kW | $115.00 | $69.00 |
| Over 10kW and up to and including 100kW | $575.00 | $138.00 |
| Over 100kW and up to and including 1000kW | $1150.00 | $1380.00 |
| Over 1000kW | $5750.00 | $1380.00 |
Table 1: Application and Witness and Commissioning Test Fees (in New Zealand Dollars including GST)
PowerNet may need to perform further detailed investigative studies to identify any potential adverse effects the DG may have on the system. A fee will be chargeable for this; we will advise you before we approve the connection if this is required.
How do I get connected?
If you want to connect DG to our network you should:
- Identify if your proposed DG is in an area of congestion and become familiar with our Congestion Policy. If your proposed DG sits in an area of congestion, PowerNet may require you to curtail or temporarily disconnect your DG
- Ask your installer for an inverter that is on The Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Approved Inverter List. This will make your application with us much easier.
- If your DG set up includes solar panels, we recommend asking for panels on the CEC List of Compliant Panels.
- If your DG set up includes batteries, we recommend asking for batteries on the CEC List of Compliant Batteries.
- Ask your installer to set up your inverter according to PowerNet’s Setting for DG Inverter Standard.
- Ask your installer to obtain approval from PowerNet by filling out the Application Form. An application fee applies and must accompany this application
- Have an arrangement with your electricity retailer
- For more information around electricity industry legislation for generating and trading electricity, including Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code, talk to your installer.
- Ensure your installer has completed a Commissioning Checklist and a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and return to PowerNet within 10 days of completion
For more information see our Planning Guide for Connecting DG to PowerNet