Distributed Generation
Distributed generation 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. Approval will not be processed prior to payment of fees being received in full.
| Distributed Generation Capacity | Application Fee (including GST) | Witness and Commissioning Test Fee (including 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 |
Get Connected
Before your generating equipment can be connected to the electricity network, you must:
- Read through PowerNet Planning Guide for Connecting Distributed Generation to PowerNet, Setting for Distributed Generation Inverter Standard and our Congestion Policy.
- Obtain approval from PowerNet. Your approval will be easier if your inverter is on The Clean Energy Council’s Approved Inverter List
- Have an arrangement with an electricity trader (e.g. electricity retailer)
- Meet the requirements of The Code and any other electricity industry legislation for generating and trading electricity.