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    Large high voltage DER systems

    A Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system (such as solar) is one that is connected to an electricity distribution network rather than to the transmission network.

    DER systems vary in type and size from a typical 1 kW domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) unit to a 50 MW wind farm, and may include, among other things, the following technologies:

    • Solar PV cells
    • Bagasse (the fibrous material left-over from crushed sugar cane)
    • Wind turbines
    • Thermal
    • Hydro
    • Diesel standby DER generating systems (that synchronize to the distribution network for momentary or extended periods
    • Large grid-connected utility scale battery technology.

    The process of connecting a DER system to the distribution network is regulated by the National Electricity Rules (NER).

    We have several connection processes, depending on the size and regulatory classification of your proposed DER system. This page describes the process for high voltage (HV) connected DER systems. For low voltage (LV), refer to our Solar connections & other technologies web pages.

    Further information is also available in our latest DER Systems Information Pack (PDF 2.7 mb).

    Important information for generators

    Generator registration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

    Under the NER any person who owns, controls or operates a DER system connected to a distribution network, must register as a generator with AEMO.

    There may be exceptions if you either have the benefit of AEMO’s standing exemption (which usually applies to DER systems less than 5 MW in size) or have applied individually to AEMO and received a specific exemption.

    For information on the AEMO generation registration requirements and participant categories in the National Electricity Market (NEM), please see AEMO’s website and relevant guidelines.

    Utility scale battery technology

    AEMO is reviewing utility scale battery technology in the NEM. For further information visit the AEMO Utility Scale Battery Technology web page.

    Authority for DER capacity over 30 MW

    If you intend to operate more than 30 MW of DER capacity and connect it to a distribution or transmission network in Queensland, you must first hold a generation authority or special approval.

    This authority is issued by the Department of Energy and Public Works (DEPW). A failure to hold such an authorisation is an offence under the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld).

    If you are proposing to operate more than 30 MW of DER capacity at a site and connect it to a network, we strongly suggest that you contact DEPW early in your planning process. This will allow for the application to be made to the Director General, considered and approved before the proposed connection. The process can typically take four months from application.

    You can call DEPW on 13 74 68 to discuss licensing requirements and the application process.

    Applying for a large high voltage DER system

    If you're planning to connect a large high voltage Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system, this process applies to you. It follows the requirements outlined in Chapter 5 and Chapter 5A of the National Electricity Rules (NER).

    These do not fall under the classification of basic connections in accordance with our Connections Policy (PDF 659.6 kb), and therefore an expedited connection is not available.

    Below are the main stages in the negotiated connection process for a high voltage DER system.

    1. 1 Enquiry

      Start by submitting a Connection Enquiry using the appropriate form.

      For high voltage load connections > 1 MVA please use our Large Customer Connection Enquiry Form (PDF 485.7 kb). Alternatively, you can submit your connection enquiry online via Customer Self Service and follow the instructions.

      We will acknowledge your enquiry within 5 business days and advise if any pre-application services are required, including associated costs.

    2. 2 Preliminary information and response

      Depending on your connection type:

      • For Chapter 5A connections, our Customer Connections Preliminary Enquiry Information (PDF 290.9 kb) fact sheet provides information to support your connection application to our distribution system, in line with the requirements of Chapter 5A.D2(b).  This will be provided with your initial enquiry response.
      • For Chapter 5 connections (typically  ≥ 5MVA), we will provide a Preliminary Response to Enquiry within 15 business days of receiving your enquiry (unless you elect to proceed directly to a detailed response).

      Refer to our DER Systems Information Pack (PDF 2.7 mb) if you are unsure which process applies to you.

    3. 3 Pre-application Services & Detailed Response

      We’ll advise which pre-application services are relevant to your connection. These services help you decide whether to proceed with a formal application.

      For more details, see:

    4. 4 Application

      Once you are ready, you or your consultant can submit an application via our Large Customer Connection Application Form (PDF 470.0 kb) or online via Customer Self Service and follow the instructions.

      “Ready” means you have:

      • Completed all required pre-application services
      • Provided all necessary documentation and information
      • Paid any associated costs

      We will review your application for completeness. Once your application is considered to be complete, you will be charged an application fee. This charge is to cover the expenses directly incurred by us in assessing your application and providing you with an offer.

      Refer to our Chapter 5A Connection Application Essentials (PDF 422.7 kb) or Chapter 5 Connection Enquiry & Application Essentials (PDF 444.1 kb) fact sheets for further information.

    5. 5 Offer

      After reviewing your application, we’ll prepare you with an offer to connect. This typically includes:

      • A Network Connection Establishment Contract (NCEC)
      • A Network Ongoing Connection Contract (NOCC) or amendment to an existing NOCC

      You’ll need to review, sign, and return the necessary agreements to accept the offer.

    6. 6 Detailed design, construction and commissioning

      After the offer is accepted, we will coordinate the design, construction, and commissioning activities in line with the offer and applicable technical standards.

    Information to help with your application

    Further information on the process to connect a HV DER system less than 5 MVA is available in Part A of our latest DER Systems Information Pack (PDF 2.7 mb).

    These DER systems can help manage your demand on our network during peak energy use times and assist in the event of emergency outages or electricity supply interruptions.

    Typically, such DER systems benefit from AEMO’s standing exemption and are required to follow the connection process under Chapter 5A of the NER.

    These DER systems include configuration arrangements up to 5 MVA, such as:

    • Non-exporting DER systems via an IES (including renewable energy sources such as solar)
    • Non-exporting DER systems via rotating machines (i.e. diesel standby systems)
    • Exporting DER systems via renewable energy technology such as solar, wind and biogases

    To start your application, submit a formal connection enquiry to us. Please complete our Large Customer Connection Enquiry Form (PDF 485.7 kb) and follow the instructions to start the connection process. Alternatively, you or your consultant can create the enquiry through Customer Self Service or your electrical contractor can complete the enquiry through the Electrical Partners Portal on your behalf.

    Further information on the process to connect a HV DER system above 5 MVA is available in Part A of our latest DER Systems Information Pack (PDF 2.7 mb).

    These DER systems can help manage your demand on our network during peak energy use times and assist in the event of emergency outages or electricity supply interruptions.

    Typically, such DER systems benefit from AEMO’s standing exemption and are required to follow the connection process under Chapter 5A of the NER.

    These DER systems include configuration arrangements up to 5 MVA, such as:

    • Non-exporting DER systems via an IES (including renewable energy sources such as solar)
    • Non-exporting DER systems via rotating machines (i.e. diesel standby systems)
    • Exporting DER systems via renewable energy technology such as solar, wind and biogases.

    To start your application, submit a formal connection enquiry to us. Please complete Large Customer Connection Enquiry Form (PDF 485.7 kb) and follow the instructions to start the connection process. Alternatively, you or your consultant can create the enquiry through Customer Self Service or your electrical contractor can complete the enquiry through the Electrical Partners Portal on your behalf.

    Reference documents

    Please refer to our Manuals & fact sheets web page for further reference documents relating to our Large Customer connections, including DER systems.

    Get in touch

    Do you have a specific question about connecting a large-scale HV DER system? If so, please contact our Large Customer connections support team.