SA Power Networks provides Basic Connection
Services and Negotiated Connection Services.
90% of the connection works we complete are
Basic Connection Services for mainly Residential
and Small Business customers, with the
remainder being Negotiated Connection Services
for predominately Commercial and Development
customers.
SA
Power
Networks
National
Energy
Customer
Framework
For further information contact SA Power
Networks on: 13 12 61 or visit our website at:
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
1.
If you belong to one of the following customer
groups, read Part 1—Basic Connection Services.
Basic connections
• Residential customers
• Non-residential customers e.g. small business
customers up to a maximum capacity of
• 63 amps per phase
The cost, timeframe and process for providing
Basic Connection Services and Negotiated
Connection Services are quite different, which
is generally due to the large variance in the
scale and complexity of work involved in
providing the relevant connection service.
A Basic connection above may also involve the
installation of a small embedded generator
• Small embedded generators1 who wish to
install Solar photo voltaic (PV) panels on their
property with a generating power less than
10kW single phase or 30kW three phase.
This brochure seeks to provide you with a
general understanding of SA Power Networks’
arrangements for a connection to the electricity
distribution network. It offers answers
to questions you might have when seeking
to establish a connection for your premises
including:
• How do I get connected?
• How long does it take to connect?
• How much does it cost?
• What are my responsibilities and obligations?
If you belong to one of the following customer
groups, read Part 2—Negotiated Connection
Services.
• Commercial customers e.g. real estate
developers, retailers
• Industrial customers e.g. manufacturers
• Embedded generators whose generating
power is greater than 10kW single phase
or 30kW three phase
Note: For the purpose of this brochure,
a ‘connection’ is defined as the electrical
connection from SA Power Networks’ electricity
network to the connection point nominated
by SA Power Networks at your premises.
1 Small Embedded Generator means a customer who operates
an embedded generating unit (e.g. solar PV system) that is authorised to export energy to the distribution network
and that is compliant with Australian Standard AS 4777.
You can report a power outage or street light fault as well as register with Power@MyPlace to receive free info
(via SMS or email) about known power outages affecting your property and meter readings in your area.
Get online at www.sapowernetworks.com.au
SA
Power
Networks.
National
Energy
Customer
Framework
Part 1.
Basic
Connection
Services
Part 1. Basic Connection Services
About this connection type
What is a Basic Connection Service?
A Basic Connection Service means a connection service
which involves minimal or no upgrade (‘extension
or augmentation’) of the electricity network.
Who does it apply to?
Basic Connection Services are for:
a) The majority of residential customers
b) A small portion of business customers
c) Small embedded generators e.g. residential and business customers who wish to install Solar PV Panels with a generating power less than 10kW single phase or 30kW three phase on their
premises and connect to the distribution network.
Range of works
Basic Connection Services cover the following range
of examples or work:
1. Connection to an existing Low Voltage Service
Pit/Pillar
2. Connection to an ‘Over to Under’ service installed
on an existing pole adjacent to your property.
3. Connection to an overhead service line from an
existing pole adjacent to your property, to your
house facia.
Model Standing Offer
In accordance with the National Electricity Rules,
SA Power Networks has developed a Model Standing
Offer that applies to customers who require a basic
connection service to our network and who do not
wish to negotiate that connection.
The Model Standing Offer and its terms and conditions
for providing the relevant service have been approved
and are considered to be fair and reasonable by the
Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
Refer to the following link to download a copy of the
Model Standing Offer from our website:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=23838
Fast track your connection
In an effort to reduce SA Power Networks’ operational
costs and enhance our customer service, SA Power
Networks offers Expedited Basic Connection Services
to its customers whenever possible. By accepting the
Expedited Connection Service option, the customer
and SA Power Networks will not go through the formal
offer and acceptance process.
Upon electing to proceed with an Expedited Basic
Connection Service it is deemed that we have offered
and you have accepted and agree to the Model Standing
Offer for the relevant service. This reduces paperwork
and turn-around time, hence expediting the connection
process.
Customer’s right to negotiate
In accordance with the National Electricity Rules
(the Rules), a residential or business customer can
negotiate a connection contract with the relevant
distributor. The negotiation covers connection
related aspects such as price, terms and conditions.
While we respect your right to negotiate with us,
under the Rules, we are entitled to charge you a
non-refundable negotiation fee (‘Offer Fee’). The
fee may vary depending on the amount of time
and effort the negotiation takes. An indicative
negotiation fee would be based on $97 per hour.
It is recommended that you consider the Expedited
Basic Connection service if you are not interested
in negotiating your terms of connection. 90% of the
connections performed by SA Power Networks involve
very little or no alteration to our infrastructure and
attract only standard service fees which means this
work can be scheduled relatively quickly.
If you elect to enter into negotiation for your
connection, it is likely this will attract a standard
negotiation fee and extend your connection timeframe.
How much does it cost to connect?
Some of our Basic Connection Services require a
payment for the service, these will be charged to
you as a one-off connection fee (‘Connection Charge’).
These specific fees are to cover our cost in providing
the electricity infrastructure and project management
services for establishing your connection and are
separate to the monthly charges you receive from
your retailer for ongoing electricity supply and will
be invoiced directly to you by SA Power Networks.
The following link provides information on the
connection charges for the Basic Connection Services:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=50898 (please refer to section 9.1)
How to get connected?
The following information explains the steps involved
in the connection process.
Step 1: Submit connection request
To apply for a Basic Connection you must complete an
application form (‘Form A’), it is important you provide
all the required information requested in the form for
us to assess your proposed connection.
The form can be downloaded from our website:
Form A
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=495
Form A User Guide
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=10584
Once complete, you or your contractor should send
the Form A to your electricity retailer who will in
turn submit it to us.
Note: Due to the technical nature of the information
required in Form A, we recommend that you engage
your electrician to complete the application form on
your behalf. Most electrical contractors are registered
to use our REX system to lodge and track the Form A
application.
2.
For further information contact SA Power
Networks on: 13 12 61 or visit our website at:
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION 09/2015
SA
Power
Networks.
National
Energy
Customer
Framework
Part 1.
Basic
Connection
Services
Continued
Part 1. Continued
Step 2: Assess connection request
Upon receiving your Form A application via your retailer,
we will conduct a detailed assessment to determine
the connection type. We might ask you for additional
information in order to conduct an accurate assessment,
or if the information in your application form is
incomplete. We might also need to visit your premises
to decide the best location for a connection service
point. Please note that under current law, we are
entitled to charge you a site inspection fee, if required,
to cover our cost.
Step 3: Connect
We will invite your electrician to book an appointment
with us and we will connect your premises according
to the agreed time.
How long does it take to connect?
We will connect your property as soon as practically
possible once we receive your complete application
subject to the agreed arrangement between
SA Power Networks and you (or your electrician).
Contact us
General enquiries Online enquiry form:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=23840
Customer Service
13 12 61 (9am–5pm Monday to Friday)
Connection and booking enquiries
Builders & Electrical Contractors Service
1300 650 014 (8am–5pm Monday to Friday)
Fax: 1300 650 016
Small Embedded Generator enquiries
Enquiries
1300 665 913 (8am–5pm Monday to Friday)
Written correspondence
Postal address
GPO Box 77
Adelaide South Australia 5001
Ongoing Supply Contract
By taking supply with us you enter into an Ongoing
Supply Contract. The Ongoing Supply Contract details
the terms and conditions related to the ongoing
electricity supply to our customers. It is a standard
contract SA Power Networks has with all customers
and has been approved by the AER and is published
on our website:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/centric/
customers/necfconnectionsnecfresidentialconnections.
jsp#ongoing
Customer obligations & responsibilities
It is important for you to know that once we connect
your premises to our network, there are general
obligations you are required to maintain which
are detailed in the Ongoing Supply Contract you
will have with us.
Some of these obligations include;
• Informing your retailer of any changes to your
contact details or access requirements to the
meter at your property
• Informing us of any change to your load
requirements or operation of your equipment
that may affect the quality, reliability, safety or
metering of the supply of energy to the premises
or the premises of any other person
• Complying with the energy laws and the
requirements of our Service and Installations Rules
• Registering or cancelling any life support equipment
requirements for your premises with us or your
retailer
• Complying with the applicable standards in operating
and maintaining small embedded generation when
you start to take supply of energy under this contract
• Applying for an alteration to your supply when
removing or changing the status of your small
embedded generation so that we may alter
the connection to your premise as required
• Ensuring that safe access is available during
normal business hours to read the electricity meter
Refer to http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/
download.jsp?id=23840 for the detailed contents of the
Ongoing Supply Contract.
3.
For further information contact SA Power
Networks on: 13 12 61 or visit our website at:
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION 09/2015
SA
Power
Networks.
National
Energy
Customer
Framework
Part 2.
Negotiated
Connection
Services
About Negotiated Connection Services
What is a Negotiated Connection Service?
A Negotiated Connection Service is a connection service
for which SA Power Networks will provide an offer
for the provision of that service. Typically such services
will require SA Power Networks’ electricity network
to be extended, upgraded or augmented in order to
enable the connection or accommodate extra load.
Who does it apply to?
Generally, Negotiated Connection Services apply
to the following types of customers:
a) The majority of commercial customers. (e.g. real estate developers, retailers)
b) Industrial customers (e.g. manufacturers)
c) Embedded generators (e.g. generators whose generating power is greater than 10kW single
phase or 30kW three phase)
Range of works
Below are examples of types of Negotiated Connection
Service works:
• Installation of underground Low Voltage mains
and Service Pit/Pillar.
• Installation of a new pole mounted transformer or
upgrading of an existing pole mounted transformer.
• Installation of underground High Voltage mains
and new pad mounted transformer
• Construction of a range of overhead or underground
mains or combination of both.
How much does it cost to connect?
Connection charges can vary significantly depending on
the scale and complexity of the work required to provide
your requested supply capacity at a specific location.
Charge for a negotiated connection service offer
If the proposed connection requires significant
extension, upgrade or augmentation to our electricity
network SA Power Networks will charge an Offer
Preparation Fee based on the scope of work required
to prepare the offer of the Connection Charge.
Customer’s right to negotiate
In accordance with the National Electricity Rules (the
Rules), a residential or business customer can negotiate
a connection contract with the relevant distributor.
The negotiation covers connection related aspects
such as price, terms and conditions.
While we respect your right to negotiate with us,
under the Rules, we are entitled to charge you
a non-refundable negotiation fee (‘Offer Fee’).
The fee may vary depending on the amount of time
and effort the negotiation takes. An indicative
negotiation fee would be based on $97 per hour.
How to get connected?
The following information explains the key steps
involved in the connection process.
Step 1: Submit connection request
You (or your elected consultant) must complete the
online application form (‘Form B’) to provide all the
required information for us to assess your proposed
connection. The Form B can be accessed through
our website.
Form B
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/redirect.
jsp?id=2863
4.
For further information contact SA Power
Networks on: 13 12 61 or visit our website at:
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
Step 2: Assess application
Upon receiving your complete application, we
will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine
the connection type and the constructability for the
proposed connection. We might ask you for additional
information in order to undertake an accurate
assessment, or if the information in your application
form is incomplete. We might also need to visit your
premises to decide the best location for connection.
You will be charged an offer fee to cover our costs and
this amount may vary depending on the complexity of
the work involved to assess your proposed connection.
This fee is non refundable; however is incorporated
as a rebate to you should you accept our Connection
Charge. Please note that under current law, we are
entitled to charge you a site inspection fee, if required,
to cover our cost.
Step 3: Offer and acceptance
Once we complete the relevant assessment steps, we
will use best endeavours to make a connection offer to
you within 65 business days (or within a period agreed
between you and SA Power Networks) upon receiving
your application. The offer shall contain the following
minimum essential items:
• Details of works required for connection and
their contestability
• Connection charges and/or other costs
• Specific technical and safety requirements
• Specific terms and conditions
• Obligations and responsibilities
The connection offer will remain open for 45 business
days (‘Validity Period’) from the date of the offer.
If you accept our offer, you need to sign the Connection
Contract and return it to us.
If you do not accept the offer within this time, it will
lapse unless we agree to extend its validity period
to an agreed date.
Step 4: Specification, design and construction
• Non-Contestable approach
If you have chosen the Non-Contestable option in
our Connection Offer to you, SA Power Networks will
undertake all of the design and construction work
required to establish the connection. Upon receiving
your payment for connection charges, we will
arrange for the relevant work to be carried out.
• Contestable approach
If you have chosen an external consultant/contractor
instead of SA Power Networks to undertake the
design and construction work, our project officer
will issue the relevant specification to you or your
consultant who will in turn contract for a design to
be completed and submit it to us for a compliance
check. Once the design is approved, we will issue
an Authority to Proceed (ATP) to your selected
contractor for the construction of the relevant work.
Please note that the construction work to connect your
proposed service point to a connection point in our
network is non-contestable. It must be carried out by us.
For more information on contestable design and
construction process, please refer to http://www.
sapowernetworks.com.au/centric/industry/contractors_
and_designers/network_information_for_contractors_
customers.jsp on our website.
CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION 09/2015
SA
Power
Networks.
National
Energy
Customer
Framework
Part 2.
Negotiated
Connection
Services
Continued
Part 2. Continued
Step 5: Connect
Pre-conditions prior to connection:
• Non-Contestable approach
If you have chosen the Non-Contestable option, SA
Power Networks will connect your service once the
construction work is complete and we have received
full payment from you. In addition, you must have
performed all pre-requisites and obligations set
out in the Connection Contract.
• Contestable approach
If you have chosen the Contestable option, for us
to connect you, the following requirements must
first be met:
1. You must have paid in full your due payments
including the full connection charge to us, any
outstanding accounts to any contractors you
have engaged etc. We will require a letter from
you confirming that all accounts for contractors
and materials have been paid.
2. The construction work must be certified as
compliant to our standards
3. The connection assets must be vested to us
(we will rebate you in return).
4. You have performed all the obligations and
responsibilities due by you as set out in the
Connection Contract.
Final connection
All connections require an application Form A to be
completed and submitted to your nominated electricity
retailer who will in turn submit it to us. We will then
invite your electrician to book an appointment with
us and will complete the final connection according
to an agreed time.
Form A and its User Guide can be downloaded from
our website:
Generally, by signing the application Form A, or by
taking supply from us, you agree to enter into the
Ongoing Supply Contract with us. The Ongoing Supply
Contract is a standard contract between SA Power
Networks and the customer. It details the terms and
conditions related to the ongoing electricity supply
to our customers and has been approved by the
Australian Energy Regulator and is published on our
website. Refer to (insert link here) for the contents
of the contract.
Under special circumstances, it is possible for you
to have an Ongoing Supply Contract with us, which
is suited to your specific needs. In such case, we will
negotiate the contract terms and conditions with you.
Service and Installation Rules
It is important for you to know that you will be required
to comply with our Service and Installation Rules when
you install your connection assets for connect to our
network.
For further information refer to our website:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/centric/industry/
contractors_and_designers/service_and_installation_
rules.jsp
Customer obligations & responsibilities
You must meet all obligations and responsibilities
detailed in your contract with us.
Contact us
For general enquiries Online enquiry form:
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/redirect.
jsp?id=1793
Customer Service
13 12 61 (9am–5pm Monday to Friday)
Form A
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=495
For connection and booking enquiries;
Builders & Electrical Contractors Service
1300 650 014 (8am–5pm Monday to Friday)
Fax: 1300 650 016
Form A User Guide
http://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/public/download.
jsp?id=10584
For Small Embedded Generator enquiries;
Enquiries
1300 665 913 (8am–5pm Monday to Friday)
How long does it take to connect?
For written correspondence
Postal address
GPO Box 77
Adelaide South Australia 5001
Depending on the scale and complexity of the
work involved in the design and construction of the
infrastructure for the proposed connection, it can take
weeks to years (very large projects such as hospitals
and major factories) to establish a connection. We
will use our best endeavors to connect you within the
timeframe agreed between you and SA Power Networks.
5.
Ongoing supply
For further information contact SA Power
Networks on: 13 12 61 or visit our website at:
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION 09/2015