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Distributed Generation

This page provides information to assist you with connecting Distributed Generation to Centralines electricity network.
 
Centralines provides this information in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Electricity Governance (Connection of Distributed Generation) Regulations 2007.

 

Click on the links below to find out more:

 

What is Distributed Generation?

Distributed Generation is equipment that is used, or proposed to be used, for generating electricity that is connected to a distribution network, or to a consumer's installation that is connected to a distribution network, that is capable of injecting electricity into the distribution network.

The Regulations categorise Distributed Generation into two categories; 10kW or less and above 10kW. There is a different process for connecting each category.

Connecting Distributed Generation < 10kW

  

 Connecting Distributed Generation > 10kW

To connect Distributed Generation 10kW or less in total you must complete the application form.

Application form

Submit this to Centralines with the application fee. Centralines will advise you within 5 working days whether the application is complete and within 30 working days to advise whether approval to connect is granted. If Centralines does not grant approval, a letter outlining why your application was declined will be sent to you and you may remedy these issues and re-apply.

Once the generator receives the approval to connect the Distributed Generation, the generator must give Centralines notice of their intention to proceed within 10 working days

  

To connect Distributed Generation greater than 10kW in total you must complete an initial application form.

Application form

Submit this to Centralines with the application fee. Centralines will advise you within 5 working days whether the application is complete, and within 30 working days Centralines will provide the generator with relevant information required to progress the connection of the Distributed Generation, such as network and design requirements, constraints, operational procedures, and any other information required to progress the application.

If the generator wishes to proceed to connect the Distributed Generation to the Centralines network, they must complete and submit a final application form within 12 months after receiving the information provided by Centralines.

Application form

Generation Size Time to Reply
10kW to 1MW 45 working days
1MW to 5MW 60 working days
Over 5MW 80 working days

Once the generator receives the approval to connect the Distributed Generation, the generator must give Centralines notice of their intention to proceed within 30 working days.

 

 

What will it cost?

Centralines will charge you an application and administration fee to process your application, we may also charge you if we need to inspect your proposed installation as part of the application process.

Our charges for this are:

Fee for application for distributed generation 10 kW or less in total

 Distributed generation of 10 kW or less in total

 $200

 
Fee for initial application for distributed generation above 10 kW

 Distributed generation of above 10 kW in total but less than 100 kW in total

 $500
 Distributed generation of 100 kW or above in total but less than 1 MW

 $1000
 Distributed generation of 1 MW and above 5,000

 $5000

 
Fee for observation of testing and inspection under clauses 7 and 22 of Schedule 1

Distributed generation of 10 kW or less in total 60

 $60
 Distributed generation of above 10 kW in total but less than 100 kW in total

 $120
 Distributed generation of 100 kW and above 1,200

 $1200

Charges

In addition to these fees, you will need to pay a connection tariff to be connected to our network. This tariff information is available here.

What are the Terms of Connection?

The regulated terms for the connection of Distributed Generation apply if Centralines and the generator do not enter into a connection contract outside the regulated terms by the expiry of the period for negotiating a connection contract, being 30 business days following notification of the generators intention to proceed with the connection.

What Standards apply?

All Distributed Generation must comply with the Network Connection Policy.

For specific installations other Standards may apply and can be provided upon request following an initial application.

In addition to the Centralines Standards, all installations must comply with relevant legislation, codes of practice and standards and a Certificate of Compliance must be provided to Centralines.