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Connection offers
Based on your connection needs, Essential Energy offers three (3) types of Connection Offers when requesting connection to our Distribution Network.
Basic Connection Service
The model standing offer for a Basic Connection service is for new or altered connections of service mains and/or small embedded generation units to Essential Energy's distribution network. It outlines the parties, contract documents, scope, characteristics, charges and terms and conditions of the basic connection service as well as the roles and responsibilities of the customer, Essential Energy and the customer's electrical professionals.
Download the Basic Connection Service Offer
Standard Connection Service
The model standing offer for a Standard Connection service is for new or altered connection of load and/or small embedded generation units where the connection requires augmentation or extension of the distribution network. It outlines the terms and conditions on which the customer must engage their own Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) to design and construct the associated works, and on which Essential Energy will provide the standard connection services and charge the applicable connection charges. The document also specifies the parties to the contract, contract term, scope, obligations of the customer and Essential Energy regarding safety and technical requirements, the process and requirements for the preparation and approval of the design, the undertaking and completion of the works, and the transfer of the assets to Essential Energy.
Download the Standard Connection Service Offer
Standard Connection (Subdivision) Service
The model standing offer for a Standard Connection (Subdivision) service is for real estate developers who seek a connection that requires augmentation and/or extension of the distribution network. It outlines the terms and conditions for the developer to engage their own Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) to design and construct the connection assets, and for Essential Energy to provide ancillary network services and alternative control services. The document also specifies the contract term, the connection offer process, the obligations and liabilities of the parties, applicable fees and charges, and the transfer of ownership of the connection assets to Essential Energy.
Download Standard Connection (Subdivision) Service Offer
| Essential Energy Connection Services | Connection Offer Contracts | |||
| Basic | Standard | Standard Subdivision | ||
| Connection Type | Process Type | |||
| a) Urban and Commercial loads of <=100 amps single phase connection or <=63 amps three phase connection with no augmentation to the LV network. * # | Automatic approval through the Essential Connections portal. | Download | ||
| b) All LV loads that do not comply with Essential Energy's auto-approval rules and not requiring augmentation to the network. | Requires technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
| c) All LV loads requiring augmentation to the network. | May require technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
| d) Embedded Generator <=3 kW system for rural customers and <=5 kW system for urban customers with no augmentation to the network. ** # | Automatic approval through the Essential Connections portal. | Download | ||
| e) Embedded Generator >3 kW system for rural customers, >5 kW system for urban customers with no augmentation to the network. *** | Requires technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
| f) Large embedded generation systems that require augmentation to the network. | Requires technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
| g) Standard Connection service - any service that does not meet the requirements of the Basic Connection service. | Requires technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
| h) Subdivision typically offered to real estate developments and large multi-occupancy developments. # | Automatic approval through the Essential Connections portal (where augmentation is known to be required) or may require technical and/or planning review before approval. | Download | ||
* Where the connection is not classified as a Real Estate Development.
** Thresholds are based on total generation capacity.
*** Generally only related to domestic connections.
# Where the application complies with Essential Energy automatic approval rules.
Contracts
Deemed Standard Connection Contract
A Deemed Standard Connection Contract (DSCC) refers to the agreement between Essential Energy and a customer for the provision of ongoing connection services to the premises. In the case of a new connection or a connection alteration, the DSCC takes effect upon acceptance by the customer of Essential Energy’s Connection Offer. That offer will contain terms and conditions relevant to the connection which will form additional terms and conditions to this contract.
If your premises are connected to our distribution system, the DSCC starts on the date when you start to take supply of energy at those premises. The DSCC is not applicable to high voltage connected customers or embedded generators with a total generating capacity above 30 kW.
Download the Deemed Standard Connection Contract
Deemed Standard Connection Contract for Large Low Voltage Customers with Large Embedded Generation
If you are connected to the Essential Energy network and you do not have another contract with us for connection to your premises, our Deemed Standard Connection Contract for Large Low Voltage Customers with Large Embedded Generation applies to you.
This contract is approved by the AER under section 75 of the National Energy Retail Law.
This Contract is about the services which cover connection of your premises to our low voltage distribution system if you are a large customer with a large embedded generating unit, and have energy supplied to your premises. These services are called “Customer Connection Services”.
Deemed Standard Connection Contract for Large Customers with or without Embedded Generation - High Voltage
If you are connected to Essential Energy's network and you do not have another contract with us for connection to your premises, our Deemed Standard Connection Contract for Large Customers with or without Embedded Generation - High Voltage applies to you.
This contract is approved by the AER under section 75 of the National Energy Retail Law.
This contract is about the services which cover connection of your premises to our high voltage distribution system and have energy supplied to your premises where you are a large customer. These services are called “Customer Connection Services”.
Negotiation Framework
Essential Energy's Negotiation Framework sets out the minimum requirements to be followed during negotiations between Essential Energy and a connection applicant who wishes to negotiate a connection application under Chapter 5A of the National Energy Rules (NER).
Download Essential Energy's Negotiation Framework
Download Essential Energy's Negotiation Framework - Negotiated Distribution Services
Download Essential Energy's Connection Policy
Connection Offers and Contracts prior to 1 July 2024
Model Standing Offer for a Low Voltage Basic Connection Service with Micro Embedded Generation
Model Standing Offer for a Low Voltage Standard Connection Service with Micro Embedded Generation
Model Standing Offer for a Standard Connection (Subdivision)
Model Standing Offer for a Low Voltage Basic Connection Service
Model Standing Offer for a Low Voltage Standard Connection Service
