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Apply for electricity supply

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

Find out what you need to know before applying for a new electricity supply. 

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, we 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 us?

Getting connected to our 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.

 

You can manage your application on our site here. 

 

Connection types

The below descriptions will help you 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 (e.g. new poles or lines) 
    • Has no metering or technical issues 
    • Has no special requirements for power. 

    To arrange a basic connection:

    1. Contact a Registered Electrical Contractor (electrician) to arrange a property inspection. If there are no problems, your contractor will issue: 
      Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) 
      Electrical Works Request (EWR) 
    2. Choose a retailer 
    3. Ask your electrical contractor to forward copies of the CES and EWR to your chosen retailer. They will then send a service order to us. 
    4. Once we've received and checked your new connection request, it will take 10 business days to finalise your connection. 

    If you don't qualify for a basic connection, you may request a negotiated connection. 

    You can request a negotiated connection at any stage, even if you've already qualified for a basic connection 

    How much will it cost? 

    For a basic connection that doesn't need an assessment, we may be able to provide a fixed offer.  

    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.

  • Standard connections

    A standard connection applies when our network: 

    • Doesn't quite reach the property 
    • The houses are in sub-divisions and some semi-rural areas.

    How much will it cost? 

    These connections are a set fee, provided that there is: 

    • Available low voltage supply 
    • A service pit in safe and applicable location 
    • Customer's power 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’s Services requirements. 

    More charges, might happen if: 

    • A request for a pit in a non-preferred location 
    • A pit located where it can't share a connection that requires a road crossing 
    • The need to excavate an underground cable 
    • The need for a site-specific Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment. 

    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.

  • Street Lights

    We own and manage street lighting in road reserves, which includes: 

    • poles, 
    • brackets, 
    • lanterns, 
    • wiring, and
    • control gear 

    However, we don't provide freeway lighting or decide where to install streetlights. For these, please contact: 

    • VicRoads for freeway lighting 
    • Your local council to install a streetlight 

    How much will it cost? 

    If you request one or more new streetlights, this must be arranged via your local council who will be responsible for all installation costs. 


    To report a streetlight, visit our Report streetlight faults page. 

  • Turnkey projects
    A Turnkey project is where a customer or developer needs a new power supply or an additional supply. 

    They design and construct the necessary distribution assets, such as power poles. 

    After the creation of these assets, they're gifted to us and we maintain them. 

    Any design and construction contractors involved in such works must be accredited by us. All design and construction works must also meet our minimum technical and safety standards. 

  • Dual occupancy

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

    Power is available to new dwellings via a low voltage service pit on a common property boundary. 

    There are specific requirements for multiple occupancy sites. Your electrician will be able to advise you about the requirements for the infrastructure required for common metering.   

    How much will it cost? 

    Developers will need to apply for a connection offer via our EnergyConnect portal to find out the cost for a new supply point.