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Electricity connections

AusNet Services manages the distribution network for Customers in Melbourne’s north and east and across all of eastern and north eastern Victoria. Whether you are a
resident or a business and have a property that is currently not connected to the electricity network, AusNet Services can help you get connected.

New connections or changes to an existing connection can be relatively simple, or may involve an extention or upgrade to the electricity network. The type of connection
will determine the cost and how long it will take to get you connected.

 

When do you contact AusNet Services?


Complex connection


Basic connection

If your connection requires changes to the electricity network or your property has certain zoning restrictions (cultural significance, bushfire risk etc.), your request
will usually involve: an assessment to create a fixed quote, followed by the construction work. The assessment service attracts a fee that is deducted from your
construction cost if you decide to go ahead with the connection.

For a relatively simple residential connection that does not require an assessment step, AusNet Services may be able to provide an immediate fixed offer. If you
think your connection is in this category try our free online cost calculator.

To get started, apply by clicking on the link below for the following project types:

Residential, Commercial, New Estate, Private Mains in Public Land, Public Lighting, Asset relocation/alteration, Private line replacement.


When do you contact your retailer?

If your connection to the network is all ready to go, the final step is to have a meter installed and energised. To do this you need to contact your preferred electricity retailer and they will organise this for you.

We are responsible for installing new meters and reading and inspecting meters on residential and business premises. Before we do this work we need to receive two separate service requests from your selected Retailer.


  1.  First request: Allocate National Meter Identified (NMI). This is required to create a unique identifier for your meter.
  2.  Second request: Establish Supply Request. This is required for us to come out to site and install the meter.
Visit the Victorian Government’s Energy Compare website if you need help with selecting a retailer.

 


What’s involved in getting connected with AusNet Services?

Getting connected to the AusNet Services network involves applying for the connection and then paying the construction costs.  Once payment has been made, the construction work will be scheduled and completed. The process and cost will vary depending on the complexity of your site conditions.

If you are a residential customer, we recommend contacting an electrical contractor to complete this process on your behalf.

 

More information is available below and on our Electricity Connections Application page.

 

More Information

The sections below provide the criteria for the main connection types. You can use these descriptions to determine what connection type you need. We also have Model Standing Offers that can help you determine the type of connection you need.
  • Basic connections

     A basic connection applies when your installation:

    Requires no changes to our network (eg new poles, lines, electricity pits)
    Has no metering or technical issues
    Has no special requirements for additional power.

    For example, you would need to apply for a basic connection under the following circumstances:

    Overhead lines: Powerlines are located on the same side of the street as your property, with poles located within 20 metres and no clearance or property-crossing issues

    Underground lines: An electricity service pit or pillar exists at the boundary of your property, with no property-crossing issues.


    Getting Connected

    To arrange a basic connection, please follow the steps below.

    1. Contact a Registered Electrical Contractor (electrician) to arrange a property inspection – if there are no problems,your contractor will issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) and Electrical Works Request (EWR)
    2. Choose an electricity retailer – for tips and tools on choosing a retailer, please visit: https://compare.switchon.vic.gov.au/
    3. Ask your electrical contractor to forward copies of the CES and EWR to your chosen retailer, who will then send a service order to AusNet Services. Once we’ve received and validated your new connection request, it will take 10 business days to finalise your connection.

    If you don’t qualify for a basic connection, we’ll do our best to let you know within 10 business days. You may be
    directed to request a negotiated connection.

    You can request a negotiated connection at any stage of the application process, even if you’ve already qualified for a basic connection.

    To qualify for

    BASIC

    Connection factors

    Yes/No

    Network changes needed
    - eg new poles, lines, pits

    No

    Metering/technical issues

    No

    Special power needs

    No

    Connection to a SWER powerline

    No

    Generating renewable energy eg via solar/wind supply

    ---------------------------------

    maximum capacity more than 5 kVA (or more than 3.5 kVA if connected to a SWER powerline)

     

    inverter has special technical needs

    No

     

     

     

    -

     

     

     

    -

    Model Standing Offer information

    Basic

    SWER = Single Wire Earth Return
    powerline, seen in some rural and remote
    areas.

  • Basic embedded generation connections

    A basic embedded generation connection applies when:

    You're feeding electricity back into our distribution network from a solar power system (or another embedded generation system, such as wind turbines.

    Your new or upgraded embedded generation system has a maximum capacity of up to 4.6 kVA, or up to 3.5 kVA if connected to a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) powerline

    Your inverter meets technical requirements – ask your installer for more information

    Our meet all other requirements for a basic connection.

    Please note that a battery system may have additional requirements that require pre-approval. For more information, contact: preapprovals@ausnetservices.com.au


    Getting Connected

    If you want to generate electricity with solar on your own property, take a look at our ‘I want solar’ page for information on how to get started, what to expect and what your responsibilities are.
    Steps involved:

    1. Choose a Clean Energy Council accredited installer. 
    2. Check that there is capacity in the network for your installation by applying online here.
    3. Make sure your installer submits all necessary paperwork to your chosen electricity retailer, including the following:
      • Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
      • Electrical Works Request (EWR)
    4. Tell your electricity retailer about your new system. They will send us a service order to update your meter to record generation.

    * Please note: the Basic Micro Embedded Generation Model Standing Offer (MSO) has been updated as of 1 December 2019. All new inverters must have the power quality response mode settings, detailed in the MSO, applied at the time of installation.

    To qualify for

    BASIC EMBEDDED GENERATION

    Connection factors

    Yes/No

    Network changes needed
    - eg new poles, lines, pits

    No

    Metering/technical issues

    No

    Special power needs

    No

    Connection to a SWER powerline

    No

    Generating renewable energy eg via solar/wind supply

    ---------------------------------

    maximum capacity more than 5 kVA (or more than 3.5 kVA if connected to a SWER powerline)

     

    inverter has special technical needs

    Yes

     

     

     

    No

     

     

     

    No

    Model Standing Offer information**

    Basic Micro Embedded Generation

    SWER = Single Wire Earth Return
    powerline, seen in some rural and remote
    areas.

  • Standard connections

    Applicable from 1 February 2017, standard connections cover those where our network doesn’t quite reach the property. Typically, these would be houses in subdivisions and some semi-rural areas.

    Standard connections usually involve:

    Building a service pit then running a powerline underground from a nearby powerpole to that pit. (Pole to pit connection)

    Connecting to an existing underground powerline. (Service joint to pit connection).


    Criteria

    These connections are covered by a set fee comparable to that charged by other distribution businesses, providing certain conditions are met.

    These include the:

    Availability of low voltage supply

    Service pit being in safe and technically applicable location

    Customer’s power requirement not exceeding 40 Amp (single phase) or 63 Amp (three phase). With connections to SWER lines, other requirements may apply

    The length of the connection is within AusNet Services requirements.


    Additional charges

    In certain circumstances, AusNet Services will charge additional fees for standard connections.

    These include:

    A customer requesting a pit in a non-preferred location

    A pit being located where it cannot readily be shared A connection that requires a road crossing

    The need to excavate an underground cable

    The requirements for a site-specific Aboriginal cultural heritage, due-diligence assessment.

    * Please note: AusNet Services has increased its capital contribution charges for Standard Connection Services in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases. Please click here for the new charges effective 01 January 2020.

    To qualify for

    STANDARD

    Connection factors

    Yes/No

    Network changes needed
    - eg new poles, lines, pits

    Yes

    Metering/technical issues

    Yes

    Special power needs

    No

    Connection to a SWER powerline

    No

    Generating renewable energy eg via solar/wind supply

    ---------------------------------

    maximum capacity more than 4.6 kVA (or more than 3.5 kVA if connected to a SWER powerline)

     

    inverter has special technical needs

    -

     

     

     

    -

     

     

     

    -

    Model Standing Offer information*

    Standard

    SWER = Single Wire Earth Return
    powerline, seen in some rural and remote
    areas.

  • Negotiated connections

    A negotiated connection applies when your requirements are beyond those covered by a basic embedded generation connection.

    More specifically, you will need to apply for a negotiated connection if one or more of the following factors is a consideration:

    Your installation requires changes to our network (e.g. new poles, lines or electricity pits)

    You have metering or technical issues

    You have significant power requirements, exceeding 100 Amp, or more than 40 Amp per phase

    Your connection is to a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) powerline – a single-cable powerline seen in some rural and remote areas

    You have an embedded generation system (or other renewable energy source) that could supply our electricity distribution network with more than 4.6 kVA, or more than 3.5 kVA if connected to a SWER powerline

    Your inverter or export system has special technical requirements – ask your installer for more information.


    Process

    To begin the negotiated connection process, please call us on 1300 360 795.

    From the commencement of negotiations, we will produce a firm offer stating the costs and connection within an estimated 65 business days.

    All proposed embedded generation connections must also satisfy AusNet Services’ safety and technical requirements. For more information, please click through to our section on Embedded Generation.

    * A negotiated connection applies if you answer ‘yes’ to one or more factors

    To qualify for

    NEGOTIATED (1 or more)***

    Connection factors

    Yes/No

    Network changes needed
    - eg new poles, lines, pits

    Yes

    Metering/technical issues

    Yes

    Special power needs

    Yes

    Connection to a SWER powerline

    Yes

    Generating renewable energy eg via solar/wind supply

    ---------------------------------

    maximum capacity more than 5 kVA (or more than 3.5 kVA if connected to a SWER powerline)

     

    inverter has special technical needs

    Yes

     

     

     

    Yes

     

     

     

    Yes

    Model Standing Offer information
    not applicable

    SWER = Single Wire Earth Return
    powerline, seen in some rural and remote
    areas.

  • REFCL HV Customer Connection
    What is Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL)?

    The REFCL is a protective device that reduces the risk of powerlines starting bushfires by rapidly limiting the current that is released in a phase to earth fault. REFCLs are being installed at select zone substations as part of the Victorian Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program (PBSP)


    What is the impact of REFCL?

    When a phase to earth fault occurs, the REFCL elevates voltages on the two fault free phases. These fault free phases are required to withstand 24.2kV for up to 3 continuous minutes.

    The REFCL also automatically adapts to network conditions. This may result in individual phase voltages being increased by 20% (16.7kV phase to ground) at a time for up to 45 seconds. This will occur multiple times during a day in an attempt to tune itself to the present network conditions.


    How does REFCL affect High Voltage (HV) Customers?

    Changes to phase to earth voltages affect customers who are supplied at high voltage (22kV).



    HV Customers connected to these zone substations will experience elevated voltages.
    These HV Customers are required to implement a solution to protect their HV electrical assets against these elevated voltages.


    Further guidance and information

Other types of electricity connection

  • Turnkey Projects and Dual Occupancy

    Turnkey projects

     

    A Turnkey project is one in which a customer or developer requires either new power supply, or additional supply. In this situation, they typically design and construct the necessary electricity distribution assets, such as power poles. After these assets are commissioned, they are gifted to AusNet Services and we become responsible for maintaining them. 

    Any design and construction contractors involved in such works must be accredited by AusNet Services. This accreditation recognises that they are competent to carry out such works. 

    All design and construction works must also meet AusNet Services minimum technical and safety standards.

     

    AusNet Services is a signatory to the Essential Services Commission’s Service Improvement Commitment to minimise delays in connecting greenfield housing developments to the existing distribution network. If you are a Developer (or consultant), you may lodge your feedback on AusNet Services’ connections performance on the ESC’s website.



    Dual occupancy

     

    Dual occupancy developments are defined as two dwellings built on a single lot. These developments typically have access from existing roads and power is supplied via services from the existing low voltage mains.

    Examples of dual occupancy include ‘battle axe,’ multiple occupancy type subdivisions, as well as the redevelopment of commercial premises into multiple residential dwellings.

    In the case of dual occupancy, power is made available to the new dwellings via a low voltage service pit on a common property boundary. However, if three or more dwellings are located on common property within the development, the developer is required to provide a Service Pillar or Distribution Cabinet. Such power supply points must meet Service and Installation Rules.


    Costs

     

    The developer is required to pay a one-off Project Fee for each development proposal. The developer is also required to pay the schedule Network Contribution on a per dwelling basis for service pits.

    If the Developer requires a service pit at a location that is not a common property boundary, they must also pay for sole use of that service pit.

  • Street Lights

    AusNet Services provides street lighting in road reserves, including poles, brackets, lanterns, wiring, control gear and watchman lighting. Currently, we manage around 148,655  street lights across our electricity distribution network.

     

    However, we don’t provide freeway lighting or decide where street lights will be installed. If you have enquiries about either of these matters, please contact:
     

    • VicRoads (freeway lighting)
    • Local council (street light installation)

     

    Costs

     

    If you request one or more new street lights, you will responsible for all installation costs. Some examples where additional lighting may be required include:

     

    • Turnkey Projects (e.g. main roads)
    • Housing estate subdivisions (e.g. minor roads)
    • Watchman lighting (also known as security lighting)

     

    For watchman lighting, you will need to pay an up-front fixed cost that covers the cost of installation and removal when lighting equipment is no longer required.

     

    Reporting a fault

     

    Street light repairs are covered by our guaranteed service level (GSL), meaning you may be eligible to receive compensation of $25 if we don’t repair the fault within two working days.


    Under our GSL, the street light must be located within the AusNet Services network - adjacent to your home or business.

    To report a street light fault, please contact 13 17 99