Network connections

Connection process

Our connection process adheres to the National Electricity Rules set out by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and consists of three stages:

• A connection enquiry starts the formal connection process. Each enquiry is reviewed on an individual basis, taking into account the technical specifications of the proposed connection. To make an enquiry, please email connections@transgrid.com.au. We will respond to your enquiry in accordance with National Electricity Rules. 
• On completion of the connection enquiry stage, you can make an application to connect. For this stage of the process, we develop a detailed investigation which leads to an offer to connect. 
• A grid connection will take place as outlined in our offer to connect.

Fees

Connection enquiry fee

Costs associated with lodging a formal connection enquiry will vary depending on whether a functional specification is required for an Identified User Shared Asset (IUSA), as per Rule 5.3.3.(b) of the National Electricity Rules, where there is a valid Designated Network Asset (DNA) or where a Withstand Short Circuit Ratio (SCR) Assessment is required.

An IUSA is determined necessary if the capital cost of connection is reasonably expected to exceed $10 million, and will outline both contestable and non-contestable components. 

View our connection enquiry Terms & Conditions.

Application to connect fee

The application to connect fee will vary depending on the unique specifications of each project. For example, generation connections are more complex than loads. We will prepare an estimate before developing a response to your application.

The application fee could be subject to a broad range of factors such as:

• the complexity of the connection arrangement scope
• the location of the connection point
• the quality of the connection application
• the volume of customer material required for review
• negotiations around the technical and commercial parameters of the connection agreement and associated contracts. 

Subsequent instalments may be fixed for components that are in our control and variable for those which are not.

Following the initial assessment, we will prepare an agreement to develop an offer to connect. 

The agreement will include the application fee, the program for developing the offer, the procedures for varying the program, customer input requirements, and work to be delivered. It will also include corresponding terms and conditions for liability, confidentiality, intellectual property, termination and suspension.

This information is published under clause 5.2A.5 of the National Electricity Rules.

Developing a connection application

Grid connections take place in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.

Amendment to National Electricity Rules: transparency of new projects

The National Electricity Rules include a new rule to improve public access to information about new grid-scale generation projects. This will help developers to assess the viability of proposed projects in the pipeline to ensure that they are better informed when deciding where to invest in new generation. 

This rule requires Transgrid to submit any new connection enquiries to the Australian Energy Market Operator for future publication. 

Run back schemes

Due to increased concerns in relation to ensuring system security across Transgrid’s network, the practice of implementing run back schemes has been discontinued. Alternative solutions may be available to alleviate network congestion and these may be explored in more detail during the formal connection process.

Connection to existing transmission line infrastructure

All new network connections to Transgrid’s transmission line infrastructure shall be via a purpose built “loop-in loop-out” switching station located as close as possible and not further than 1 km away from the proposed point of “cut-in” on the transmission line infrastructure. Transgrid recommends a direct connection to an existing substation, where the proposed point of “cut-in” on the transmission line infrastructure is within 10 km of that substation. Such a direct connection may present significant benefits compared to the proposed transmission line “cut-in”. More information relevant to a proposed transmission line connection will be provided in Transgrid’s connection enquiry response.

Connections support

A range of technical specifications, templates and overviews are available below to help you understand the connection process and requirements.

Our customer team is also on hand to help you connect to our network. For further information, please contact connections@transgrid.com.au.