CEOP8079 - Connection Guidelines - Essential Energy

Connection Guidelines: 

For High Voltage 

Customers and Embedded 

Generators 

23 November 2012 

23 November 2012 

ISSUE 7 

UNCLASSIFIED 

UNCONTROLLED COPY IF PRINTED

UNCLASSIFIED 

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE – Connection Guidelines for High 

Voltage Connections and Embedded Generators 

CEOP8079 

ENQUI RIES: PLEASE CONTACT NETW ORK CONNECTI ONS ON 13 23 91 

O R 

E MAIL: NET WORKCONN ECTI ONS@ESS ENTI ALE N ERGY.COM.AU 

DOCUME NT NUMB ER: CEOP8079 - ISSUE 7 

This plan is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process without written permission, except as 

permitted under the copyright act. 

DISCLAIMER 

1 Essential Energy may change the information in this document without notice. All changes take effect 

on the date made by Essential Energy. A print version is always an uncontrolled copy. Before using 

this document, please ensure that it is still current. 

2 This document may contain confidential information. Restrictions on the use and disclosure of 

confidential information by employees are set out in your contract of employment. Restrictions on the 

use and disclosure of confidential information by contractors are set out in your contract of engagement 

with Essential Energy. Sub-contractors are bound by the confidentiality provisions set out in their 

contract with the contractor engaged by Essential Energy. 

2013 Essent ia l Energy 

23 November 2012 - Issue 7 

Approved By: Group Manager Major Customer Engagement 

Page 2 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Contents 

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 5 

2 WHY THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT ................................................... 5 

3 CONNECTION ENQUIRY – PROCESS FLOW CHART ............................................. 6 

4 DEEMED CONNECTION – PROCESS FLOW CHART .............................................. 7 

5 CONNECTION ENQUIRY PROCESS .................................................................... 8 

5.1 Preliminary Connection Enquiry ....................................................................... 8 

5.2 Connection Enquiry ........................................................................................ 8 

5.3 Connection Enquiry Response .......................................................................... 9 

5.4 Connection Enquiry Queuing .......................................................................... 10 

6 CISA AND LAIA............................................................................................. 10 

7 CHANGES TO EXISTING CONNECTION ............................................................ 10 

8 CONNECTION APPLICATION ........................................................................... 10 

8.1 Connection Application .................................................................................. 10 

8.2 Information to be provided with Connection Application ..................................... 11 

8.3 AEMO .......................................................................................................... 12 

8.4 Essential Energy ........................................................................................... 12 

8.5 The Application Fee ....................................................................................... 12 

8.6 The Offer to Connect ..................................................................................... 13 

8.7 Acceptance of Offer to Connect ....................................................................... 13 

9 CONNECTION AGREEMENT............................................................................. 14 

10 ACCREDITED SERVICE PROVIDERS ................................................................. 15 

11 HV ASSETS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 15 

11.1 Initial Requirements ...................................................................................... 15 

11.2 Structural Adequacy ...................................................................................... 16 

11.3 Subtransmission and Distribution Network ....................................................... 16 

11.4 TransGrid Requirements (if required) .............................................................. 16 

11.5 HV Metering ................................................................................................. 16 

11.5.1 General ................................................................................................... 16 

11.5.2 Metering Voltage ...................................................................................... 16 

11.6 Construction Works ....................................................................................... 17 

11.6.1 General ................................................................................................... 17 

11.6.2 Environmental Impact ............................................................................... 17 

11.6.3 Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................. 17 

11.6.4 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).................................. 17 

11.6.5 Clearing of Vegetation ............................................................................... 17 

11.6.6 Construction Standards ............................................................................. 18 

11.6.7 Program .................................................................................................. 18 

11.6.8 Ownership of Electricity Works ................................................................... 18 

11.6.9 Constructions Works – Easements and Land Acquisition ................................ 19 

11.6.10 Provision of Registrable Instruments ........................................................... 19 

11.7 Testing and Commissioning ............................................................................ 19 

11.7.1 General ................................................................................................... 19 

11.7.2 Commissioning Program ............................................................................ 19 

11.7.3 Commissioning Tests ................................................................................ 20 

11.8 Records ....................................................................................................... 20 



Page 3 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




11.9 Training ....................................................................................................... 20 

11.10 Authority for Placing Major Electrical/Plant Equipment into Service ...................... 21 

12 HV ASSETS TO BE OWNED BY ESSENTIAL ENERGY ON COMPLETION .................. 21 

12.1 Design, Equipment and Materials .................................................................... 21 

12.2 Design References ........................................................................................ 22 

12.2.1 Transmission, Zone, Generating and Switching Stations ................................ 22 

12.2.2 Transmission Powerlines ........................................................................... 22 

12.2.3 HV Cables ............................................................................................... 22 

12.2.4 Protection ................................................................................................ 22 

12.2.5 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distribution System 

Automation.............................................................................................. 22 

12.2.6 Load Control ............................................................................................ 22 

12.2.7 Communications ...................................................................................... 23 


12.3.1 General ................................................................................................... 23 

12.3.2 Notice and Acceptance Testing ................................................................... 23 

12.3.3 Standards ............................................................................................... 23 

12.3.4 Commissioning Tests ................................................................................ 24 

12.3.5 Acceptance Testing by Essential Energy ...................................................... 25 

12.4 Handover and Defects Liability Period .............................................................. 25 

13 HV ASSETS TO BE OWNED AND OPERATED BY OTHERS .................................... 25 

13.1 Design, Equipment and Materials .................................................................... 25 

13.2 Design References ........................................................................................ 25 

13.2.1 Transmission, Zone and Switching Stations ................................................. 25 

13.2.2 Transmission Powerlines ........................................................................... 26 

13.2.3 HV Cables ............................................................................................... 26 

13.2.4 Protection ................................................................................................ 26 

13.2.5 HV Metering ............................................................................................ 26 

13.2.6 Load Control ............................................................................................ 26 


13.3.1 General ................................................................................................... 26 

14 HV OPERATING PROTOCOL ............................................................................ 27 

14.1.1 General ................................................................................................... 27 

14.2 Operating Protocol ........................................................................................ 27 

14.3 HV Customer Switching and Operational Protocol .............................................. 27 

14.3.1 Ownership and maintenance ...................................................................... 27 

14.3.2 Maintenance of Switchgear and Protection Equipment ................................... 27 

14.3.3 Protection Coordination ............................................................................. 28 

14.3.4 Auditing .................................................................................................. 28 

14.3.5 HV Operations under Normal Conditions ...................................................... 28 

14.3.6 HV Regulatory Requirements ..................................................................... 28 

14.3.7 Operating Procedures ............................................................................... 29 

14.3.8 Authorised Staff and Access Permits ........................................................... 29 

14.3.9 Network Operations .................................................................................. 30 

15 ATTACHMENT A – SUMMARY NER SCHEDULE 5.4 CONNECTION ENQUIRY ............ 31 

16 ATTACHMENT B – EXAMPLE PROJECT TIMELINE ............................................... 32 

17 KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ....................................................................... 33 

18 REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 35 

19 REVISIONS .................................................................................................. 36 



Page 4 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




1 INTRODUCTION 

This Operational Procedure is designed to cover the requirements that need to be satisfied 

by a retail customer or registered participant as a Connection Applicant to ensure that 

Essential Energy‟s minimum standards for High Voltage (HV) connection are met. 

This Operational Procedure applies to all HV load and generator connections. 

2 WHY THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT 

To ensure a safe and consistent standard is met when undertaking High Voltage connections 

and Embedded Generators to the Essential Energy Distribution Network (the Grid). 



Page 5 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




3 CONNECTION ENQUIRY – PROCESS FLOW CHART 

Applies to all new HV and embedded generator connections and the modification of existing 

connection agreements. 



Page 6 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




4 DEEMED CONNECTION – PROCESS FLOW CHART 



Page 7 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




5 CONNECTION ENQUIRY PROCESS 

5.1 Preliminary Connection Enquiry 

This stage of the connection process is informal and not prescribed under the National 

Energy Rules (NER). This phase generally consists of preliminary discussions between the 

Connection Applicant and Essential Energy‟s Planning and/or Network Connections Business 

Units. 

The purpose of these preliminary discussions is to ensure that the Connection Applicant 

understands the connection process, timeframes and potential connection options. 

To make this stage effective, considerable investigation work by the Connection Applicant is 

usually required regarding possible connection options. Consultation with Essential Energy‟s 

network planning specialists can assist with this analysis. 

Essential Energy may be able to offer some services on a „fee for service‟ basis to review 

these investigations, or through entry into a Connection Investigation Services Agreement 

(CISA) and/or Land Acquisition Investigation Agreement (LAIA). 

The preliminary discussions with the Connection Applicant often cover in general terms: 

NER connection process and timeframes 

TransGrid and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) costs for processing a 

Connection Enquiry and application to connect 

Whether another Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) or Distribution 

Network Service Provider (DNSP) should be involved in the connection process 

Definition of the various connection services under the NER and potential negotiated, 

contestable or prescribed make-up 

Indicative delivery timeframes 

Information required from the Connection Applicant pursuant to an Adequate 

Connection Enquiry or application to connect. 

Essential Energy may elect to, at this initial stage, advise AEMO (Power System Planning 

and Development) of the Preliminary Connection Enquiry depending on its nature. 

5.2 Connection Enquiry 

All HV and generator connection enquiries should be directed to Essential Energy‟s 

nominated project representative - the Manager Network Connections, by email: 

networkconnections@essentialenergy.com.au. 

Essential Energy will only respond to enquiries from the Connection Applicant. 

enquiries by third parties will be directed to the Connection Applicant. 

Any 

This stage of the connection process is a formal requirement under the NER. A Connection 

Applicant must make an adequate connection enquiry in accordance with clause 5.3.2 of the 

NER before it can make an application to connect. 

This requirement also applies to an existing HV customer or a generator planning to modify 

an existing connection. 



Page 8 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




The connection enquiry must include the following information (refer to Attachment A – 

Summary NER Schedule 5.4 Connection Enquiry) to be adequate: 

Expected type of load/ generation 

Preliminary system planning data as listed in Schedule 5.4 of the NER 

Required connection timeframes 

Reliability requirements (eg N, N-1) 

Preferred connection location 

Alternative connection locations 

Proposed route of any easements and location of land on which the Electricity Works are 

to be constructed or installed 

Project status 

Company information. 

The key objective of this stage is to assist the Connection Applicant to determine a single 

preferred connection option before advancing to a formal Connection Application. It also 

clarifies the information required to achieve an NER compliant Connection Application. 

5.3 Connection Enquiry Response 

Essential Energy must respond to the Connection Applicant in accordance with clause 5.3.3 

of the NER on receiving an adequate connection enquiry and must: 

Within 5 business days advise the Connection Applicant if any further information is 

required to process the connection enquiry 

Within 10 business days advise the Connection Applicant: 

o 

o 

o 

if another TNSP or DNSP is to be involved 

if any of the connection works are contestable 

of a preliminary programme indicating milestones 

Within 20 business days advise the Connection Applicant: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

the technical requirements 

the access standards (automatic) 

the applicable plant standards 

the nominal voltage level 

if AEMO is to be involved in any of the above 

the connection application requirements 

specifications of the facility to be connected 

power transfer capability 

the fee applicable for Essential Energy to process an application to connect; and 

any other information required pursuant to an application to connect. 

Essential Energy may also be able to assist the Connection Applicant in reviewing their 

analysis of the various connection options to determine the required information necessary 

for a valid connection application. This service is outside the NER framework and the 

Connection Applicant may be required to enter into a CISA and/or LAIA at this time. 



Page 9 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Essential Energy‟s connection enquiry response will only be valid for the network 

configuration which exists at the date of the response. 

5.4 Connection Enquiry Queuing 

Essential Energy is alert to the chance that a Connection Applicant may attempt to “lock up” 

network capacity by making a connection enquiry which does not result in a connection 

application within a reasonable timeframe, thereby making it difficult for Essential Energy to 

make this capacity available to any other party. Essential Energy will adopt the following 

policy with regard to the treatment of connection enquiries and Connection Applications (to 

the extent that it has the power to do so): 

IF a connection enquiry is received which is NER compliant and a resulting connection 

enquiry response has been provided by Essential Energy. 

AND Essential Energy is of the opinion that insufficient progress is being made towards an 

Connection Application by the Connection Applicant, such application being expected within 

3 months of the date of Essential Energy‟s final response to the Connection Enquiry. 

THEN the Connection Applicant will be asked to show cause why the network capacity 

applied for should not be offered to any other Connection Applicants who have made a 

connection enquiry for this capacity. Until and unless Essential Energy issues a show cause 

notice, Essential Energy will allocate available network capacity in amounts requested by 

applicants based on the date Essential Energy receives each Connection Enquiry. 

6 CISA AND LAIA 

Where the proposed connection is typical and/or investigation/assessment is required, 

Essential Energy will seek to enter into a CISA with the Connection Applicant. Where 

Electricity Works are to be constructed or installed, Essential Energy will seek to enter into 

an LAIA with the Connection Applicant. This may be done at any time following the receipt 

of a connection enquiry or during the connection application process. 

An example project timeline to be provided by the Connection Applicant is included in 

Attachment B. 

7 CHANGES TO EXISTING CONNECTION 

A customer that has an executed network connection agreement wishing to modify their 

connection will constitute a Connection Applicant for the purposes of this guideline and the 

NER. It is likely that it will be necessary to execute a deed of amendment to document the 

modifications to the existing connection agreement. 

8 CONNECTION APPLICATION 

8.1 Connection Application 

This stage of the connection process is a formal requirement under the chapter 5 of the 

NER. 

A Connection Applicant intending to connect to Essential Energy‟s network must make a 

Connection Application in accordance with clause 5.3.4 of the NER. 

Where the Connection Applicant has made a conforming Connection Application, Essential 

Energy must make an offer to connect in accordance with clause 5.3.5 of the NER. 



Page 10 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




The key objective of this stage is to finalise the technical and commercial arrangements 

applicable to the connection, including, if necessary, the negotiation of performance 

standards pursuant to clause 5.3.4A of the NER. 

This stage is finalised when the Connection Applicant accepts Essential Energy‟s offer to 

connect. 

8.2 Information to be provided with Connection Application 

The Connection Applicant must include the following information in a connection application: 

Proposed negotiated performance standards pursuant to clause 5.3.4A of the NER 

Detailed system planning data as detailed in Schedule 5.5 of the NER 

Preferred connection date 

Reliability requirements (N, N-1) 

Preferred connection location and arrangement 

Project status 

Company information 

The power transfer requirements 

Schedule of connection equipment 

The application fee 

Details of the land tenure for the electricity works including land owner agreements, 

the consultation processes and easement requirements or land acquisitions that 

remain outstanding; and (This information must be provided, easements should be 

registered and any decision to connect without is at the absolute discretion of 

Essential Energy). 

Other relevant information that may be required by Essential Energy includes but is not 

limited to: 

A detailed construction program 

Details of assets to be transferred to Essential Energy 

Full copy of all approvals required by environmental laws for the construction and 

operation of the assets and all documents that supported the application for such 

approvals and compliance with them 

The requirements for route corridor, centreline, access (particularly permanent access) 

to the electricity works, and/or details of land required for infrastructure, survey and 

design options analysis 

If requested, draft route/ corridor, centreline, access and land requirements are best 

initially obtained by GPS survey but after investigation must be fixed by formal 

registered survey to enable the prompt registration of appropriate plans for the 

acquisition of land or grant of easements 

Land owner agreements, consultation processes and easement requirements or land 

acquisitions by agreement 

All relevant Essential Energy design specifications 

Approved materials list, approved equipment may if available be purchased from 

Essential Energy or by negotiation with the manufacturer. 



Page 11 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




In addition to the requirements under the NER, the Connection Applicant must comply with 

the requirements Section 7 of the NSW Service & Installation Rules (NSW S & I Rules), for 

loads and Section 8 for embedded generators. 

Particular attention should be paid to clause 11.9 of this document. Reasonable lead time 

must be left to train employees to operate the installation in accordance with Section 7 of 

the NSW S & I Rules. 

8.3 AEMO 

Essential Energy must notify AEMO of the Connection Application and supply AEMO with the 

Connection Applicant‟s proposed negotiated performance standards. 

AEMO must within 20 business days of receiving proposed negotiated performance 

standards from Essential Energy: 

Respond in writing in respect of any negotiated performance standards that are 

defined by the NER as “AEMO advisory matters” 

Advise Essential Energy and the Connection Applicant whether the proposed metering 

installation is acceptable. 

Essential Energy must accept AEMO‟s advice with respect to AEMO advisory matters. 

8.4 Essential Energy 

Within 30 business days of receiving proposed negotiated performance standards, Essential 

Energy must: 

Accept the proposed negotiated performance standards; or 

Reject and nominate revised, negotiated performance standards. 

Essential Energy must scope and estimate works required to provide the negotiated 

connection services and determine the negotiated service charges to apply (if applicable). 

For contestable electricity works, the Connection Applicant and Essential Energy will discuss 

the requirements. 

Essential Energy may also advise charges applicable to the contestable works if it is willing 

to provide those services. 

8.5 The Application Fee 

The Connection Applicant must submit a connection application, including fees, in 

accordance with Essential Energy‟s normal invoicing practices. The connection application 

will only be deemed to be received from the date the connection application fee is received 

by Essential Energy and all relevant materials are provided under clause 8.2. 

If the Connection Applicant does not enter into a CISA with Essential Energy, a nonrefundable 

connection application fee based on Essential Energy‟s connection fee matrix will 

be payable. The connection application fee covers the reasonable costs of work anticipated 

to arise from reviewing the connection application and preparing the associated offer to 

connect, including, but not limited to, provision of relevant network data, review designs, 

planning assessment and legal fees. It also covers reasonable costs of AEMO and other 

Network Service Providers to assess the connection application. 

If the Connection Applicant enters into a CISA with Essential Energy, the connection 

application fee will be covered by amounts payable by the Connection Applicant for services 



Page 12 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




rendered under the CISA. The decision as to whether a CISA will be required will be at 

Essential Energy‟s discretion. 

Connection Applicants will be required to meet other reasonable costs incurred by Essential 

Energy to AEMO, other Network Service Providers (for example, TransGrid) and in obtaining 

legal advice in negotiating the connection agreement. Essential Energy will invoice these 

fees on a cost pass through basis as they occur. 

8.6 The Offer to Connect 

Essential Energy must respond to a connection application with an offer to connect in 

accordance with the NER. 

The offer to connect will: 

Indicate the Environmental Laws not covered by the NER which may be relevant to the 

construction and operation of the assets 

Highlight any planning and environmental laws not covered by the NER 

Advise if TransGrid and/or AMEO will be involved and their costs 

Outline the technical requirements of equipment to be connected 

Outline the automatic access standards 

Outline the negotiated access standards 

Outline the extent and cost of any augmentations works to the network 

Outline any network service charges 

Outline effects on other network users (transfer capacity) 

Advise of cost for remote control and monitoring equipment required by AEMO if 

applicable 

Contain commercial terms and conditions. 

The offer to connect will be in the form of a draft connection agreement and will contain the 

proposed terms and conditions for connection to the network in accordance with Clause 

5.3.6 of the NER. The Connection Applicant and Essential Energy will negotiate the 

commercial and technical terms and conditions with respect to the proposed connection. 

8.7 Acceptance of Offer to Connect 

If the Connection Applicant wishes to accept an offer to connect, the Connection Applicant 

must agree to be bound by relevant provisions of the NER and enter into a connection 

agreement with Essential Energy. 



Page 13 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




9 CONNECTION AGREEMENT 

Essential Energy‟s connection agreement will deal with: 

Location of connection project 

The agreed point of connection (shown on a Single Line Diagram - SLD) 

The Connection Agreement term, commencement and termination dates 

The maximum Voltage fluctuation 

Connection assets to be transferred to Essential Energy 

Easements and other Registrable Instruments 

Land title deeds 

Route or land plans – initial survey and final form of survey 

The agreed technical standards of equipment to be connected 

The agreed access standards (automatic or negotiated) 

The agreed performance standards (for generators) 

Any augmentation work to the network 

Any ancillary services provided by the Connection Applicant 

Any network service charges 

The agreed network transfer capacity 

The remote control and monitoring equipment required by AEMO if applicable 

Proposed metering installation 

Arrangements for meter provision 

The commercial terms and conditions 

Maximum voltage fluctuation 

Authorised staff 

Land tenure, if required and not addressed in any LAIA. 

Note that the connection of the connecting assets may be conditional on gaining 

environmental and planning approvals for any necessary augmentation or extension works 

to Essential Energy‟s network and finalisation of other schedules to the connection 

agreement post execution. 

The agreement may also address the delivery of assets required to give physical effect to 

the connection service. 

If a deemed connection is required to be documented under the NER, the connected person 

will be taken to be a Connection Applicant for the purposes of the connection agreement. 

Template connection agreements are available by contacting the Manager Network 

Connections by email: networkconnections@essentialenergy.com.au 



Page 14 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




10 ACCREDITED SERVICE PROVIDERS 

Under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, customers are required to fund certain works which 

are required to enable new or expanded connection to the electricity network. Essential 

Energy will advise whether the work is contestable in accordance with CEPG8019 – Capital 

Contributions and the parts of the work required to be funded by the Connection Applicant. 

If the work is contestable, a Connection Applicant will need to seek quotes from 

appropriately Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) to carry out these works. 

The ASP must be accredited as an ASP to undertake the type of work proposed. That 

accreditation, along with a system of inspecting and auditing of completed works, seeks to 

ensure that any work is designed, constructed or installed to provide for the efficient, 

reliable and safe operation of the completed works. 

The accreditation of ASP is administered by the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, 

Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS). Information about the scheme, levels of 

accreditation and currently accredited ASPs is available from the website: 

http://www.dtiris.nsw.gov.au/energy/electricity/network-connections/contestable 

11 HV ASSETS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

11.1 Initial Requirements 

The design of the electricity works will constitute contestable work and must be carried out 

by a Level 3 ASP (accredited to design transmission and distribution works). 

Details of the Level 3 ASP selected by the Connection Applicant shall be submitted to 

Essential Energy for approval. 

Plant and equipment should be designed in accordance with Essential Energy‟s requirements 

in accordance with Clauses 7, 8 and 9 of this document as applicable and with the relevant 

access standards set out in the following Schedules in the NER: 

Schedule 5.2 for connection of generators 

Schedule 5.3 for connection of customers (loads); and 

Schedule 5.3a for connection of a market network service. 

The proposed design shall be submitted to Essential Energy for approval prior to 

commencement of the connection works. 

If any part of the proposed electricity works are situated on a mining lease, the area of land 

the site encompasses and suitable access for vehicles and plant must be excised from the 

mining lease (including access and buffer zone). Essential Energy will require the 

Connection Applicant to commit to this process as part of the connection agreement. 

Significant delays in achieving this may impact on commissioning programs. 

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 requires all designers, manufacturers, 

and suppliers of plant and equipment to provide all available information about the plant 

and equipment that is necessary to enable other persons to fulfil their responsibilities, in 

accordance with CECM1000 – Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management, to: 

Identify hazards 

Assess risks arising from those hazards 



Page 15 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Eliminate or control those risks 

Provide information. 

11.2 Structural Adequacy 

A suitably authorised professional must certify that all aspects of the plant and equipment 

design have been assessed for structural adequacy. 

11.3 Subtransmission and Distribution Network 

Subtransmission and distribution network design and equipment requirements will be 

advised by Essential Energy through the issue of a Design Information Pack (DIP). 

Standard equipment may vary depending on the location of the proposed installation. 

Essential Energy‟s design and construction manuals can be obtained from: 

External Sales Officer 

Telephone: 02 68834596 

Email: 

jennie.buxton@essentialenergy.com.au 

Copies of these documents are also available on Essential Energy‟s website: 

http://www.essentialenergy.com.au/DocumentLibrary/registration 

11.4 TransGrid Requirements (if required) 

TransGrid will require sufficient notice to install upstream metering and protection 

equipment required by the NER. 

The costs of TransGrid upgrades will be payable by the Connection Applicant. 

11.5 HV Metering 

11.5.1 General 

Essential Energy Metering Services should be contacted by the Connection Applicant prior to 

procurement of any HV metering equipment. Before Essential Energy can approve the 

metering equipment, an estimate of load, together with any associated drawings, must be 

submitted. Any metering installation unit to be connected to the national grid and operate 

under market conditions must have Voltage Transformer (VT) and Current Transformer (CT) 

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) traceable test certificates provided by the 

installing contractor or manufacturer. For more information or please contact: 

metering.services@essentialenergy.com.au or contact 1800 365 096 

For further details also refer to Chapter 7 of the NER. 

11.5.2 Metering Voltage 

The NER requires all new installations to be metered at the closest point of connection to 

the DNSP‟s distribution network. All new connection points must be metered in the 

customer‟s installation at the supply voltage. Load side metering is not permitted foe new 

installations where the customer own or lease the transformers. Also to comply with the 

NER, in the event of any electrical alterations, existing installations metered on the load side 

of the transformer, must be modified so that they are metered at the connection point. 



Page 16 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




11.6 Construction Works 


The construction of contestable works must be carried out by a Level 1 or Level 2 ASP. 

Level 1 accreditation allows for the construction and installation of transmission and 

distribution works including substations 

Level 2 accreditation allows for the construction of service lines between the 

distribution system and the point of connection to the premises and for the installation 

and energising of metering services. 

In addition to accreditation from DTIRIS, Level 1 and Level 2 ASPs working on or near the 

electricity network must have written authorisation and conditions granted by Essential 

Energy. 

The Connection Applicant must ensure that there is a safe system of work for all involved in 

the project in compliance with all applicable standards and statutory requirements. 

The Connection Applicant must ensure that all construction activities meet the requirements 

of the environmental impact assessment as well as all applicable statutory environmental 

approvals and requirements (CECM1000.70 Environmental Operations Manual: 

Environmental Impact Assessment). 

11.6.2 Environmental Impact 

Early provision of land and easement requirements for the project including preliminary 

survey details of any route, corridor and centreline of the corridor for transmission 

requirements and access to the corridor should be provided by the Connection Applicant. 

Essential Energy must be consulted about its requirements for such corridor and access at 

an early stage of any proposed electricity works. 

11.6.3 Environmental Impact Assessment 

The environmental impact assessment of the proposed electricity works, including clearing 

of vegetation, must be provided by the Connection Applicant to Essential Energy and include 

a list of mitigation measures that will be implemented to limit the extent of environmental 

impacts. 

11.6.4 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) 

The Connection Applicant must develop a CEMP to be used for the practical construction of 

the Electricity Works, especially a transmission line. 

The CEMP must address and comply with: 

All approvals which apply to the construction and operation of the assets 

Mitigation measures identified in the environmental impact assessment 

All other environmental requirements issued by Essential Energy or any relevant 

statutory authority to the Connection Applicant from time to time. 

11.6.5 Clearing of Vegetation 

Where required all vegetation clearing along the route of the power line shall be the 

responsibility of the Connection Applicant. This work must be done in accordance with all 

environmental laws, approvals and Essential Energy‟s requirements and standards. 

(CECM1000.77 – Environmental Operations Manual: Flora and Fauna.) 



Page 17 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Vegetation clearing must not commence until the Connection Applicant has obtained all 

relevant Approvals, the consent of all affected landowners. 

11.6.6 Construction Standards 

All construction must be in accordance with the approved design drawings. Assets that are 

to be transferred to Essential Energy will be subject to audit by Essential Energy during 

construction. Essential Energy will appoint an auditor to ensure compliance to design and 

the quality of the assets. Inspection will be undertaken at key stages of the construction 

process, with the minimum number of inspections determined prior to commencement of 

construction on receipt of the approved schedule/construction program. 

The design process may introduce risk to Essential Energy unless the process is controlled 

and due consideration given to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues during the 

design phase. Design control seeks to eliminate risks emanating from the design process 

through the implementation of procedures that identify and account for risk in design 

activities such as the construction and use of plant, equipment, facilities and processes 

(CECM1000 – Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management – 4.4.6). 

11.6.7 Program 

A detailed construction program (including project milestones and test points) must be 

submitted to Essential Energy for approval prior to commencement of works. 

The program must identify any work involving outages of other Essential Energy assets, 

especially if it means an interruption to customer supply. All efforts must be made by the 

Connection Applicant to ensure safe working methods are used and to avoid or minimise the 

number of customer outages. If customer outages are unavoidable, the Connection 

Applicant will be responsible for the provision of local generation to affected customers; the 

costs of which are to be borne by the Connection Applicant. This includes all costs 

associated with advertising and notifying customers of the proposed supply interruptions. 

If a supply interruption is required, it will take place at a time and date determined by 

Essential Energy, minimising any inconvenience to existing customers. 

Essential Energy may request a variation to the program to allow for augmentation of the 

existing network and other requirements of Essential Energy. 

11.6.8 Ownership of Electricity Works 

Once the construction of the assets has been completed, the Connection Applicant may 

either retain ownership of completed assets, or negotiate to gift them either in full or in 

part, to Essential Energy to own and operate. 

The point of connection to Essential Energy‟s network infrastructure is dependent on the 

Connection Applicant‟s choice: 

If ownership is retained then the point of connection will be where the Connection 

Applicant‟s connection assets join Essential Energy‟s shared network 

If ownership is gifted to Essential Energy then the Point of Connection will be on the 

network side of the Connection Applicant‟s isolating equipment. 

Generally, the conditions on which Essential Energy will accept ownership of the connection 

assets are: 

The connection assets are designed and constructed in accordance with all 

environmental laws, approvals and Essential Energy‟s standards and guidelines. 



Page 18 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Essential Energy may require that certain types of equipment be supplied by certain 

suppliers before it will take ownership. This will permit Essential Energy to maintain 

common spare parts and standardise product training for its employees so that the 

duration of outages caused by any failure of the electricity works can be minimised. 

Essential Energy will charge the Connection Applicant to recover the costs of 

maintenance and operation of the electricity works and any system augmentation 

works caused by the connection. 

Further considerations in relation to ownership of electricity works are set out in Clause 13. 

Once Essential Energy assumes ownership of any electricity works, they become part of 

Essential Energy‟s distribution system and are available for access by other parties in 

accordance with the National Electricity Law. These other parties may be required to 

contribute a fair and reasonable proportion of the capital cost of establishing, operating and 

maintaining the system. Appropriate capital reimbursement may be made to the Connection 

Applicant based on IPART‟s determination on capital contributions and any other applicable 

law. 

11.6.9 Constructions Works – Easements and Land Acquisition 

Any new electricity works constructed or installed on non-public land or Crown land or 

Crown roads must normally be contained within an easement or land to be transferred or 

vested in Essential Energy. 

The general details of the easement requirements are outlined in Essential Energy‟s 

document CEOP8046 Easement Requirements which contains details of the form and terms 

of the easement required. 

Where land is to be transferred or vested in Essential Energy or easements for the 

electricity works are necessary, the proposed land or easement corridor and centreline of 

any electricity transmission line will need to be prepared by a registered surveyor as soon 

as possible. This may be effected initially by GPS, and following negotiations with 

landholders, by full formal registered survey after due investigation in accordance with all 

approvals. 

11.6.10 Provision of Registrable Instruments 

By the end date for construction and prior to connection, relevant registrable instruments in 

a form satisfactory to Essential Energy together with all necessary deeds, consents and 

documents of title necessary to register the easements the subject of the registrable 

instruments without recourse to any third party, will need to be provided to Essential 

Energy. 

11.7 Testing and Commissioning 


Essential Energy needs to ensure that appropriate tests have been completed on all high 

voltage equipment before it can be safely energised. This will require close cooperation 

between the ASP and Essential Energy. 

11.7.2 Commissioning Program 

Prior to energising or commissioning any HV equipment, a detailed step by step 

commissioning procedure must be submitted to Essential Energy for approval 

(Commissioning program). 



Page 19 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




The commissioning program must detail the sequence to be undertaken to energise each 

piece of high voltage equipment and must include: 

Single line diagrams of all HV equipment as installed 

A proposed timetable for the commissioning works, nominated supervisor and 

employees involved including contact details 

A summary of pre-commissioning checks completed and results to date 

Confirmation that all work undertaken by the Connection Applicant for the project 

meets the relevant Australian Standards including AS3000, AS3007 (where 

applicable), NSW S & I Rules (any requirements specific to NSW, Victoria or QLD as 

applicable) as well as tests required by the manufacturer of specific items of plant and 

equipment. 

On receipt of the commissioning program, Essential Energy will assess its adequacy. 

Essential Energy may require additional testing to be performed if it considers that the 

proposed commissioning program is not in accordance with Essential Energy‟s 

commissioning policies and procedures. 

11.7.3 Commissioning Tests 

Essential Energy and the Connection Applicant shall meet to determine a mutually 

acceptable time for commissioning tests to be carried out. 

Before any commissioning test is performed, Essential Energy and the Connection Applicant 

must agree on the procedures to be used for relevant commissioning tests and any 

modification to or deletion from the procedures that are relevant to the commissioning 

tests. 

Commissioning tests must be carried out in the presence of representatives nominated by 

the Connection Applicant and Essential Energy. The Connection Applicant must provide the 

results of the commissioning tests to Essential Energy. 

Commissioning tests must be carried out in accordance with good industry practice. The 

Connection Applicant and Essential Energy must use their best endeavours to cooperate 

with each other and coordinate the testing and commissioning of all HV assets. 

If commissioning tests confirm further corrective work is required on the Connection 

Applicant‟s HV assets, the Connection Applicant must then: 

11.8 Records 

Undertake, at its own cost, all rehabilitation, modification or remediation work 

required to the reasonable satisfaction of Essential Energy; and 

Report back to Essential Energy in writing when all corrective work has been 

completed and renegotiate a suitable program to recommence commissioning tests. 

During the commissioning phase, records of OHS inspection, testing and monitoring must 

be maintained and readily accessible on request. 

11.9 Training 

The Connection Applicant must comply with the requirements of the NSW S & I Rules – 

Section 7. Particular attention is drawn to Clause 7.5.9 of the NSW S & I Rules with respect 

to operating a HV installation. Reasonable lead time must be left to train employees to 

operate the installation. The Connection Applicant must provide evidence to Essential 

Energy that these requirements have been satisfied. 



Page 20 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




If Essential Energy is to be retained as the HV operator for the site, the same restrictions to 

commissioning procedures will apply until the same proficiency in operating the equipment 

on site has been satisfactorily attained. 

Essential Energy can also arrange for training of the Connection Applicant‟s nominated 

employees given sufficient notice well in advance of the commissioning date (subject to 

trainers being available). Details of training requirements are outlined in Essential Energy 

document CEOP2238 High Voltage: Customer Operational Training Requirements. 

11.10 Authority for Placing Major Electrical/Plant Equipment into Service 

Authority for placing major electrical/plant Equipment into service (CEPG2047) applies to 

all new major electrical plant/equipment. 

The purpose of procedure CEPG2047 is to ensure that Essential Energy‟s Network 

Operations department receives written notification that all construction and precommissioning 

checks on major electrical plant/equipment are complete and ready for 

service. 

Prior to final commissioning and energising of the high voltage equipment, direct lines of 

communication must be established between: 

The Connection Applicant‟s nominated person for site commissioning and ongoing 

operations 

The designated Essential Energy System Operations Centre. 

12 HV ASSETS TO BE OWNED BY ESSENTIAL ENERGY ON 

COMPLETION 

In addition to the requirements listed under Section 11, of these Guidelines, the 

requirements of this section 12 must be complied with for all assets to be owned by 

Essential Energy on completion of the electricity works. 

12.1 Design, Equipment and Materials 

All design details including equipment/materials must be endorsed by a Level 3 ASP and 

submitted to Essential Energy for approval in principle prior to the Connection Applicant or 

its representative ordering equipment or commencing works on site. 

All associated design manuals and test certificates must be provided to Essential Energy. 

Essential Energy will detail the specific equipment that will need to be installed in 

accordance with the design requirements of this section. 

Essential Energy will provide a copy of CEOM7004 - Materials Inventory, Contestability 

(Approved) –for reference. 

All equipment must generally be approved by Essential Energy. 

If the Connection Applicant intends using non-Essential Energy approved equipment, then a 

verification process must be undertaken. If Essential Energy accepts the equipment, then 

sufficient spare parts and appropriate training for operational and maintenance 

requirements must also be provided by the Connection Applicant. 



Page 21 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




12.2 Design References 

12.2.1 Transmission, Zone, Generating and Switching Stations 

Transmission, zone, generating and switching station design must comply with the 

requirements of CEOP8032 Transmission and Zone Substations Design Guidelines. 

12.2.2 Transmission Powerlines 

Transmission powerlines must comply with the requirements of: 

12.2.3 HV Cables 

AS/NZS 7000:2010 “Overhead line design – Detailed procedures” 

CEOM7097 Overhead Design Manual 

CEOM7099 Overhead Construction Manual. 

HV cables must comply with the requirements of: 

12.2.4 Protection 

CEOM7097 Overhead Design Manual 

CEOM7098 Underground Design Manual 

CEOM7099 Overhead Construction Manual 

CEOM7199 Underground Construction Manual. 

The Connection Applicant/ASP must liaise and negotiate with Essential Energy‟s Protection 

Design team as to the type and electrical characteristics of HV and associated secondary 

equipment to be installed. This will allow Essential Energy to install and set appropriate 

protection schemes upstream and at the connection point and manage the system. If 

Essential Energy needs to install new and/or replace existing protection schemes as a result 

of this process the Connection Applicant must pay those costs. 

Essential Energy will require two months‟ notice prior to any commissioning of HV and 

associated secondary equipment. 

Protection design must comply with the requirements of the following Essential Energy 

documents: 

CEOP8002 High Voltage Protection Guidelines 

CEOP8012 Cogeneration Protection Guidelines. 

12.2.5 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distribution System 

Automation 

SCADA and distribution system automation design shall comply with the requirements of 

CEOP8084 Design Guidelines for SCADA and Distribution System Automation. 

12.2.6 Load Control 

Load control design shall comply with the requirements of CEK8085 Design Guidelines for 

Load Control. 



Page 22 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




12.2.7 Communications 

Communications design shall comply with the requirements of CEOP8032 Design Guidelines 

for Transmission and Zone Substations. 

Note that the Connection Applicant will be responsible for the design, supply and installation 

of all SCADA link equipment. Essential Energy, upon request, and for an appropriate fee, 

will provide a radio link design and equipment specification. 



Essential Energy will not proceed to connect or energise any HV equipment until it is 

satisfied that the Connection Applicant has met the requirements of section 11.7, 11.8, 

Error! Reference source not found. and 12.3. 

Essential Energy has a vested interest in assets that are to be transferred. As such 

Essential Energy has a policy to acceptance test or witness all appropriate tests to ensure all 

HV equipment, control and protection equipment, auxiliary supplies and earthing 

requirements are in compliance with specific manufacturer‟s requirements and/or its own 

internal operational and maintenance requirements. 

12.3.2 Notice and Acceptance Testing 

In addition to requiring notice in writing of the ASP that the Connection Applicant intends to 

use for commissioning and testing, Essential Energy will also require: 

12.3.3 Standards 

10 business days‟ notice to program employees for witness/acceptance testing in 

accordance with 11.7.2 

The Connection Applicant have employees available during Essential Energy‟s 

acceptance tests to confirm operation of any equipment that is not being tested by 

Essential Energy 

All wiring diagrams and drawings made on site that reflect that actual construction 

undertaken, including electronic vector versions, be available prior to Essential Energy 

commencing acceptance tests on site 

Copies of all pre-commissioning checks carried out by the Connection Applicant to be 

provided to Essential Energy prior to Essential Energy commencing acceptance testing. 

All tests must be carried out in accordance with the relevant standards, guides, codes, and 

regulations for the relevant plant and equipment. 

All tests required by the manufacturer of specific items of plant and equipment before 

commissioning must be performed. 

All tests must be recorded in a report that details: 

The plant and equipment tested (including the type of plant or equipment, 

manufacturer‟s name, type and serial numbers, ratings for voltage, current and other 

relevant nameplate details) 

Test equipment used (including type of equipment, manufacturers‟ name, type and 

serial numbers and the date of last accuracy test) 

Where relevant, temperature and humidity details 



Page 23 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




The results achieved from the test. 

Each test report must be: 

Signed and dated by the testing officer(s) and the witnessing officer 

Provided to Essential Energy. 

12.3.4 Commissioning Tests 

The Connection Applicant will produce a test plan to cover the commissioning requirements 

of all High Voltage assets and secondary equipment. This plan must identify testing 

responsibilities and actions for all parties and must be submitted for Essential Energy‟s 

agreement and approval. Essential energy must approve the commissioning program, final 

design and equipment requirements, prior to it being finalised by the Connection Applicant‟s 

ASP or its nominated representative. 

Commissioning tests will vary depending upon the type and make of equipment to be 

installed, the manufacturer‟s recommendations and Essential Energy‟s policies covering 

commissioning tests for zone substation equipment, secondary systems, HV transmission 

lines and cables. 

Final commissioning may also require phase identification, temporary protection schemes, 

service voltage testing, phasing out checks, protection directional checks and in-service 

balances and in-service metering checks. 

Essential Energy needs to ensure that all appropriate tests have been completed so that all 

HV equipment can be energised. This will require close cooperation between the ASP and 

Essential Energy employees. Essential Energy will also expect the Connection Applicant to 

rectify all defects found as a result of testing and checks by Essential Energy or others 

employed by the Connection Applicant. Any delay in defect rectification may impact on final 

commissioning which may, in turn, delay commissioning of other infrastructure owned by 

the Connection Applicant. 

Commissioning tests and checks to ensure compliance may include but not be limited to: 

Substations 

General compliance including civil and building works, secondary containment 

systems, fencing, public safety, security, fire protection systems, general layout of 

equipment 

Identification of equipment in accordance with Essential Energy‟s requirements 

Earth grid and earthing of equipment 

Conductivity and insulation testing 

HV disconnect and earthing switches 

HV circuit breakers 

HV current transformers 

HV voltage transformers 

Power transformers (including high voltage testing and On Load Tap Changer (OLTC) 

Protection schemes and associated secondary equipment 

Substation control systems 

Metering 

SCADA systems 



Page 24 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Communication systems 

Substation batteries and battery chargers 

Building / substation low voltage services 

Generator performance 

HV cables 

HV transmission lines. 

12.3.5 Acceptance Testing by Essential Energy 

Once the Connection Applicant has successfully completed the commissioning tests, 

Essential Energy may elect to do an alternative test to satisfy its own requirements. Any 

discrepancies will need to be rectified by the Connection Applicant. Only after Essential 

Energy‟s acceptance tests have been completed will the asset be allowed to be energised. 

12.4 Handover and Defects Liability Period 

"Handover" of the electricity works from the Connection Applicant to Essential Energy will 

occur on practical completion (as that term is defined in the relevant contract). The defects 

liability period will commence on the date of practical completion and will end on the 

expiration of the period specified in the contract after the date of practical completion (or if 

there a several such periods, for example where there are separable portions, the last to 

expire). 

During the defects liability period, Essential Energy may direct the Connection Applicant to 

rectify any defects in the electricity works. The contract may allow Essential Energy to direct 

the time within which the Connection Applicant must commence and complete the 

rectification of defect. Essential Energy may also set a further defects liability period in 

respect of work rectified - that period being effective from the date of rectification for a 

period specified by Essential Energy. 

While security held by Essential Energy is usually reduced upon practical completion, the 

remainder of the security should be held until the later of the issue of the final certificate 

under the contract (which occurs after the expiry of the defects liability period) and date on 

which all defects identified during the defects liability period have been rectified. 

13 HV ASSETS TO BE OWNED AND OPERATED BY OTHERS 

In addition to the requirements listed under Section 11, of these Guidelines the following 

requirements must be complied with for all assets to be owned and operated by others. 

13.1 Design, Equipment and Materials 

All design details must be endorsed by a Level 3 ASP to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 

3000 Australia/New Zealand Wiring Rules, the NSW S & I Rules and AS/NZS 7000:2010 

Overhead line design – Detailed procedures. 

13.2 Design References 

13.2.1 Transmission, Zone and Switching Stations 

HV assets must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 3000 Australian/New Zealand Wiring 

Rules, and the NSW S & I Rules. 



Page 25 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




13.2.2 Transmission Powerlines 

Electricity works may only be owned and operated by the Connection Applicant if the asset 

does not supply any other customer and the Connection Applicant accepts full responsibility 

to comply with all laws, rules, regulations and environmental planning and approval 

requirements with respect to the electricity works. The Connection Applicant should also 

incorporate the requirements of AS/NZS 7000:2010 Overhead line design – Detailed 

procedures. 

13.2.3 HV Cables 

For the safe installation of HV cables the Connection Applicant should incorporate the 

guidelines of the cable manufacturer and any applicable standard. 

13.2.4 Protection 

The Connection Applicant / ASP must liaise and negotiate with Essential Energy‟s Protection 

Design team as to the type and electrical characteristics of high voltage and associated 

secondary equipment to be installed. This will permit Essential Energy to install and set 

appropriate protection schemes upstream and at the connection point. If Essential Energy 

needs to install new and/or replace existing protection schemes as a result of this process 

the Connection Applicant must pay those costs. 

Essential Energy will require 2 months‟ notice prior to any commissioning of HV and 

associated secondary protection equipment. 

Protection design must comply with the requirements of: 

13.2.5 HV Metering 

CEOP8002 High Voltage Protection Guidelines 

CEOP8012 Cogeneration Protection Guidelines. 

HV metering design and installation should comply with the requirements of the nominated 

meter provider. 

13.2.6 Load Control 

HV equipment must meet the requirements of the NSW S & I Rules. 



Essential Energy will not proceed to connect or energise any HV equipment until it is 

satisfied that the Connection Applicant has met the requirements of section 11.7, 11.8, 

Error! Reference source not found. and 12.3. 

Where commissioning of HV equipment is on land covered by a mining lease, Essential 

Energy also requires confirmation that the installation meets the specified safety criteria and 

requirements covered by the terms of the applicable mining law. 



Page 26 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




14 HV OPERATING PROTOCOL 


All Connection Applicants are required to have an operating protocol in place that 

outlines the procedures to be followed for the safe and efficient operation of the 

system arrangements. The protocol must be executed prior to the connection of the 

Electricity Works 

Where the Connection Applicant does not have authorised personnel on staff then an 

operating agreement between the Connection Applicant and a suitable qualified ASP 

must be provided to Essential Energy. 

14.2 Operating Protocol 

An operating protocol should cover: 

Supply configuration 

Operational responsibilities including 

System constraints and limitations 

Network configuration 

Communications including 

Contacts 

Training and authorisation of staff 

Site access 

Planned switching 

Emergency and unplanned switching 

Faults and incidents 

Operating agreement. 

14.3 HV Customer Switching and Operational Protocol 

14.3.1 Ownership and maintenance 

The Connection Applicant must prepare a high voltage Operating Diagram 

Essential Energy‟s asset ownership and responsibility in respect of maintenance of 

high voltage equipment terminates at a point selected by Essential Energy and 

indicated on the Connection Applicant‟s high voltage operating diagram (“connection 

point”) 

Ownership and maintenance of all high voltage equipment beyond the connection 

point, including all metering transformers, is the Connection Applicant‟s responsibility. 

14.3.2 Maintenance of Switchgear and Protection Equipment 

The Connection Applicant must have a maintenance program in place as outlined in AS 

2467-2008 Maintenance of Electrical Switchgear, AS/NZS 3000 Australian/New 

Zealand Wiring Rules and the relevant equipment manufacturer's instructions 

The maintenance program must be prepared by persons with acceptable qualifications 

to do so. 



Page 27 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




14.3.3 Protection Coordination 

14.3.4 Auditing 

Essential Energy requires full grading with the Connection Applicant‟s first line of 

protection to guarantee correct fault discrimination 

The Connection Applicant, in liaison with Essential Energy‟s protection group, will 

negotiate settings to the generator‟s protection equipment. These settings may not be 

modified without Essential Energy‟s prior agreement. 

Essential Energy may need to audit maintenance records at any time upon negotiation 

with the Connection Applicant 

Essential Energy may request that maintenance be carried out within a nominated 

time period and relevant records forwarded to Essential Energy. 

14.3.5 HV Operations under Normal Conditions 

14.3.5.1 Planned Switching Not Involving Essential Energy 

The operation of all high voltage equipment at the Connection Applicant‟s site beyond 

and inclusive of the connection point is the Connection Applicant‟s responsibility and 

will normally be carried out by the Connection Applicant‟s authorised Operating Staff 

or authorised service provider 

The Connection Applicant must notify Essential Energy‟s Network Operations before 

any major new item of high voltage equipment is commissioned. 

14.3.5.2 Planned Switching Involving Essential Energy 

The Connection Applicant must give Essential Energy Network Operations at least 

fifteen business days prior notice of when the Connection Applicant plans to carry out 

routine maintenance of high voltage equipment that will require Essential Energy to 

carry out network switching operations. When Essential Energy requires the 

generator‟s equipment to be isolated for routine work on Essential Energy‟s 

equipment, then the times will be negotiated on an individual job basis. 

14.3.6 HV Regulatory Requirements 

14.3.6.1 Connection Applicant’s Obligations 

The Connection Applicant as a high voltage customer must comply with this Schedule 

11 

The Connection Applicant‟s installation must be operated, isolated and made safe for 

work in accordance with the requirements of Electricity Supply (Safety and Network 

Management) Regulation 2008, which imposes obligations on network operators 

The Connection Applicant must comply with the Essential Energy Network 

Management Plan Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 

The Connection Applicant (or their accredited service provider) must have a set of 

Electrical Safety Rules, complying with the Network Management Plan, Codes of 

Practice and AS 2467-2008 Maintenance of Electrical Switchgear and Appendix A 

Example of Electrical Safety Rules, covering the operation of the electrical installation 

All employees engaged in work on the Connection Applicant‟s high voltage electrical 

apparatus must be trained, assessed for competence and audited by the Connection 

Applicant as being competent to work in accordance with the Connection Applicant‟s 

Electrical Safety Rules 



Page 28 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Up to date HV system diagrams must be prominently and permanently displayed in 

each substation 

Suitable operating equipment must be provided for the electrical apparatus installed 

Suitable earthing equipment must be provided for the electrical apparatus as installed 

Live-line testing equipment, with self-testing facilities, must be provided for proving 

de-energised the electrical apparatus installed 

Suitable tape barriers (and stands if necessary) must be provided to identify safe 

working areas on isolated HV electrical apparatus 

Safety posters, showing resuscitation methods and instructions for release of persons 

from live low voltage conductors, must be displayed in each substation 

Work of testing on HV electrical apparatus must be carried out in accordance with AS 

2467-2008 Maintenance of Electrical Switchgear. 

14.3.7 Operating Procedures 

Where the Connection Applicant requires isolation of Essential Energy‟s high voltage 

supply, or Essential Energy requires isolation of the Connection Applicant‟s supply, an 

operating agreement will be exchanged between the Connection Applicant‟s authorised 

operator and Essential Energy‟s Operating Staff to guarantee that the apparatus will 

remain isolated until work is complete. Essential Energy Network Operations will 

prepare the operating agreement. 

14.3.8 Authorised Staff and Access Permits 

14.3.8.1 Connection Applicant’s Authorised Staff 

Only staff who have been authorised in writing by the Connection Applicant to operate 

the customer‟s high voltage equipment and nominated to Essential Energy in the 

Operating Protocol are permitted to carry out high voltage switching. 

Authorised Staff must comply with the following conditions: 

Are either the Connection Applicant‟s staff or staff of the Connection Applicant‟s ASP 

Satisfy Clause 14.2.4(2) 

Have been trained in the Connection Applicant‟s installation 

Have successfully completed a Safe Working Practices - Access Permit Issuers or 

access permit recipient training course – full details are available on Essential Energy‟s 

website: http://www.essentialenergy.com.au/DocumentLibrary/registration 

Are able to negotiate with Network Operations on matters relating to the supply of 

electricity 

Are able to coordinate safety and operating procedures with Network Operations when 

necessary 

Refresher courses should be attended to maintain operating skills and keep abreast of 

relevant rules and regulation changes 

When a change occurs in the Connection Applicant‟s authorised staff, the Connection 

Applicant must ensure that Essential Energy is notified so that the competency of the 

new authorised person can be assessed. The Connection Applicant must also provide 

the new authorised person‟s details to Essential Energy immediately. 

14.3.8.2 Access Permits 

Access permits may only be issued by persons who have been trained and assessed as 

competent in the Safe Working Practices - Access Permit Issuers training course. 



Page 29 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Access Permits may only be issued to persons who have been trained and assessed as 

competent in the Access Permit Recipients training course or equivalent. 

The training referred to in Subclause (b) must be carried out by Essential Energy (at a 

fee) or another registered training organisation accredited by the Vocational Education 

and Training Accreditation Board. 

Refresher courses must be attended by high voltage operating personnel to maintain 

operating skills and to keep up to date with changes to relevant rules and regulations. 

14.3.9 Network Operations 

Essential Energy‟s Network Operations is manned 24 hours a day and can be 

contacted at any time on matters relating to the operation of Essential Energy‟s high 

voltage system and/or the supply of electricity through Essential Energy‟s Customer 

Service or Supply Interruption contact centres. 



Page 30 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




15 ATTACHMENT A – SUMMARY NER SCHEDULE 5.4 

CONNECTION ENQUIRY 

Schedule 5.4 – Information to be provided with Preliminary Enquiry 

The following items of information are required to be submitted with a preliminary enquiry 

for connection or modification of an existing connection: 

Type of plant - (eg. gas turbine generating unit; rolling mill, etc.) 

Preferred site location - (listing any alternatives in order of preference as well) 

Maximum power generation or demand of whole plant – (maximum MW and/or MVA, 

or average over 15 minutes or similar) 

Expected energy production or consumption (MWh per month) 

Plant type and configuration – (for example, the number and type of generating units 

or number of separate production lines) 

Nature of any disturbing load (size of disturbing component MW/MVAr, duty cycle, 

nature of power electronic plant which may produce harmonic distortion) 

Technology of proposed generating unit (for example, synchronous generator, 

induction generator, photo-voltaic array) 

When plant is to be in service - (estimated date for each generating unit) 

Name and address of enquirer, and, if relevant, of the party for whom the enquirer is 

acting 

Other information may be requested by the network service provider, such as amount 

and timing of power required during construction or any auxiliary power requirements 



Page 31 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE – Connection Guidelines for High Voltage Connections and Embedded Generators 


16 ATTACHMENT B – EXAMPLE PROJECT TIMELINE 

To be provided by the Connection Applicant. 



Page 32 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




17 KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

In this Operational Procedure, definitions are as given in the National Electricity Rules (NER) 

unless otherwise stated below. 

Accredited Service Provider (ASP): A person accredited under a scheme approved by 

the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services 

(DTIRIS). 

Adequate Connection Enquiry: A connection enquiry which includes the information 

required by Schedule 5.4 of the NER. 

AEMC: Australian Energy Market Commission. 

AEMO: Australian Energy Market Operator. 

AER: Australian Energy Regulator, established to enforce the NER. 

Approval: Any approval, consent, licence, permission or certificate issued by or required to 

authorise the construction, operation, maintenance and operation of the Electricity Works by 

the relevant Statutory Authority. 

Authorisation (of Accredited Service Provider): Authorisation means permission in 

writing, generally to an ASP, given by Essential Energy to undertake works on or near the 

Essential Energy transmission and/or distribution network. 

Connection Enquiry: Initial Enquiry made by a Connection Applicant in accordance with 

Clause 5.2 and 5.3 of the NER for connection to a network and/or the provision of network 

services or modification of a connection to a network and/or the provision of network 

services. 

Connection Agreement: An agreement between Essential Energy and a Connection 

Applicant by which are connected to the Essential Energy distribution network and/or 

receives transmission services or distribution services. 

Connection Applicant: A Participant wanting to establish or modify connection to 

Essential Energy‟s transmission network or distribution network and/or who wishes to 

receive network services in accordance with Chapter 5 of the NER. 

Connection Application: Application made by a Connection Applicant in accordance with 

Clause 8.1-8.5 of these Guidelines for connection to a network and/or the provision of 

network services or modification of a connection to a network and/or the provision of 

network services. 

Connection Investigation Services Agreement (CISA): A connection investigation 

agreement pursuant to which Essential Energy will review, assess and/or investigate the 

proposed connection in order to provide connection and network services to the Connection 

Applicant under the Rules. 

Contestable Works: Those works for which a Connection Applicant may choose the 

provider of the services in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act 1995. 

CT: Current Transformer. 

Deemed Connection: A connection to the network prior to 13 December 1998. 

EMF: Electric and Magnetic Fields. 

ENA: Energy Networks Association. 

Electricity Works: Any high voltage electricity transmission line and all associated 

equipment and includes all poles, stays, stay poles, wires, cables, foundations, pipes, 

conduits, switches, switchgear, pillar boxes, transformers, fuses, Major Electrical 

Plant/Equipment and any other above or underground ancillary works. 



Page 33 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




Environmental Law: Any Law, whether statute or common law, concerning environmental 

matters, and includes but is not limited to Laws concerning land use, development, 

pollution, contamination, waste disposal, toxic and hazardous substances, climate change, 

greenhouse gases, energy use or efficiency, water use or access and conservation of natural 

or cultural resources. 

Generator: Connection Applicant developing embedded generation greater than 10kW 

without the use of an inverter. 

HV or High Voltage: Voltage nominally 11kV and above. 

NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services: 

The accrediting agency responsible for the accreditation of service providers to undertake 

contestable work in New South Wales and any successor charged with the same or similar 

responsibilities. 

Land Access Investigation Agreement (LAIA): An agreement between the parties for 

assessing, investigating and obtaining relevant approvals in relation to environmental and 

planning and applicable Registrable Instruments associated with the construction of the 

Electricity Works required in order to provide Connection Services and Distribution Services 

to the Connection Applicant. 

Land Tenure: Such rights or interest in land required by Essential Energy to protect the 

Electricity Works located on such land and includes the Registrable Instruments, 

Law: Includes any requirement of any statute, rule, regulation, statutory instrument, 

proclamation, order, ordinance or by-law whether Commonwealth, state, territorial or local. 

Major Electrical Plant/Equipment: means any electrical equipment (including overhead 

lines and underground cables) associated with the supply of electricity at high voltage, the 

conductors of which are live or can be made live. Examples of major plant include Power 

Transformer Circuits and Regulators associated with Transmission, Subtransmission, Zone 

Substations, Switching Stations and Generation Substations. 

NATA: National Association of Testing Authorities. 

OLTC: On Line Tap Changer. 

Registrable Instruments: Land dealings in registrable form for the creation of easements 

in favour of, or the transfer of land to, Essential Energy. 

NER: National Electricity Rules. The NER are available for download from the AEMC 

website at: http://www.aemc.gov.au/rules.php/. 

NSW S & I Rules: NSW Service and Installation Rules. 

VT: Voltage Transformer. 



Page 34 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




18 REFERENCES 

CECM1000 – Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management 

CECM1000.70 – SSHE Environmental Operations Manual: Environmental Impact 

Assessment, NSW 

CECM1000.77– Environmental Operations Manual: Flora and Fauna 

CEK8085 – Design Guidelines for Load Control 

CEM7097 – Overhead Design Manual 

CEM7099 – Overhead Construction Manual 

CEOM7199 – Underground Construction Manual 

CEOM7004 - Materials Inventory, Contestability (Approved) 

CEOM7098 – Underground Design Manual 

CEOP8012 – Cogeneration Protection Guidelines 

CEOP8084 – Design Guidelines for SCADA and Distribution System Automation 

CEOP2238 – High Voltage: Customer Operational Training Requirements 

CEOP8002 – High Voltage Protection Guidelines 

CEOP8019 – Capital Contributions 

CEOP8032 – Transmission and Zone Substations: Design Guidelines 

CEOP8046 – Easement Requirements 

CEPG2047 – Authority for Placing Major Electrical/Plant Equipment into Service 

AS/NZS 3000 – Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules 

AS 3007 – Electrical Installations 

AS/NZS 7000:2010 “Overhead line design – Detailed procedures ”Contestable Works” 

Electricity Supply Act 1995 

http://www.dtiris.nsw.gov.au/energy/electricity/network-connections/contestable 

National Electricity Rules 

NSW Service and Installation Rules (NSW S & I Rules) 



Page 35 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED 


UNCLASSIFIED 




19 REVISIONS 

Issue Number Section Details of Changes in this Revision 

2 

Definitions updated/added: 

Accredited Service Provider (ASP) 

Authorisation (of Accredited Service Provider) 

Connection Investigation Agreement (CIA) 

DWE 

ETL 

Office of Fair Trading 

Registrable Instruments 

Flowchart 

Processes added to include Provision of CIA and Registrable 

Instruments 

3.2.1 First paragraph – 2 weeks changed to 10 business days 

3.2.2 

4 weeks changed to 20 business days 

Categories of relevant information added 

4.1 Reference to standard form CIA added 

5.1 Additional information required specified 

6 

Accreditation agency changed from DEUS to OFT – website 

updated 

7.1 7 th paragraph added 

3 

7.7.1 

Reference to CEPG2016 has been replaced with CEM7022.01 

11 th paragraph added 

Reference to CEPG2010 has been replaced with CEM7022.08 

8.2.8 Clause added for Provision of Registrable Instruments 

Attachment A Updated to current version October 2006 

Attachment D Updated to current version 

Attachment I Updated to current version 

Attachment J Added 

Attachment K Added 

10 

References adjusted as necessary. 

Documents added: 

CEM7022.01 – Environmental Operations Manual: 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

CEM7022.08 – Environmental Operations Manual: Flora 

and Fauna 

CEOP2238 – High Voltage: Customer Operational Training 

Requirements. 

All 

Update document to reflect changes to Essential Energy policy 

requirements 

All 

NEMMCO replaced with AEMO 

4 

3.2.2 

Manager Network Commercial replaced with Manager Network 

Connections 

3.2.2 Email address included 

5 All sections 

Template/logo & references updated in line with Essential 

Energy branding. 

6 All Sections Complete revision and Re-write of entire document 

All Sections Connection Proponent replaced with Connection Applicant 

3 Flow Chart Updated and replaced 

7 

11.5.2 Clause added 

11.3 Web link added 

14 Section expanded and added 



Page 36 of 36 

UNCLASSIFIED

CEOP8079 - Connection Guidelines - Essential Energy

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?