CM0003
Applications and Standards for
Connection to a Distributed
Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Issue Version Number: 2.0
Data Classification: Public
Published Date: 05/08/2014
Next Review Due: 05/08/2016
©2014 Unison Networks Limited
This is an approved controlled document and is subject to change.
Please ensure you have the most up-to-date copy at all times.
Contact the Business Assurance Group for the latest version.
Unison Networks Limited
CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a
Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Overview
Document
status
Draft
In Service
Under Review
Archived
Document
purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide assistance to those wanting to
connect small distributed generation 10kW or less in total to Unison’s
network.
Intended
audience
This policy document applies to anyone wanting to connect small distributed
generation to Unison’s network.
Document
contributors
Contributors
Creator
Peer
Reviewers
Authoriser
Approver
Name and Position Title
Jason Larkin
Commercial Manager
Kathy Thomson
Customer Services Manager
Carmen Yip
Network Development Manager
Len Gould
General Manager – Commercial
Len Gould
General Manager – Commercial
Key dates
Published Date
Next Review Date
Related
references
Legislation
 Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010
 Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
Approval Date
29/07/2014
28/07/2014
04/08/2014
05/08/2014
05/08/2014
05/08/2016
Standards
 AS4777.1-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 1:
Installation requirements

AS/NZS3000-2008 Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/
New Zealand Wiring Rules)

AS4777.2-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 2:
Inverter requirements

AS4777.3-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 3:
Grid protection requirements
Unison Form
DG1 Application Form
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Overview, Continued
Content
This document contains the following topics:
Topic
See Page
1. Definitions ................................................................................. 4
2. Distributed Generation Overview ............................................... 6
3. Safety and Standards ................................................................ 7
4. Connect and Install a Small Generator ...................................... 8
5. Connection Costs .................................................................... 11
6. Terms and Conditions of Application and Connection .............. 12
Appendix A – DG1 Application Form .............................................. 13
Appendix B – Summary of Document Changes .............................. 14
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
1. Definitions
Introduction
The following are terms you will find in this guideline and in other documents
relating to distributed generation (DG). They may help you to understand the
terms and how they are used.
Applicant
An applicant applying for the connection of Distributed Generation facility that
could be owned by the applicant or by a third party. For example, an
electrician or installer can apply to install DG on a customer’s behalf.
Customer
An electricity distribution customer who is connected to Unison’s distribution
network. This is the person or company listed for billing purposes against the
Individual Connection Point (ICP).
Distributed
generation
(DG)
Electrical power generation by any means, including from stored electricity,
which is interconnected to Unison at a Point of Common Coupling. All
generation that is connected to the Unison network is distributed generation.
Distribution
service
All services required by or provided to a customer pursuant to the approved
Tariff Schedules.
Distribution
system
All electrical wires, equipment, and other facilities owned or provided by
Unison for the provision of electricity to customers.
Embedded
generation
Same as Distributed Generation.
Emergency
An actual or imminent condition or situation, which jeopardises Unison’s
distribution system integrity or safety of persons.
Generator
An individual electrical generator or generating system (including required
equipment, protective equipment and structures) that generates electricity.
ICP Individual
Connection
Point
This is the individual number allocated to each point where customer power
usage is measured for billing by the retailer.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Definition, Continued
Metering
equipment
All equipment, hardware, software including meter cabinets, conduit, etc. that
is necessary for metering. The metering equipment is managed by the
retailer.
Metering
The measurement of electrical power flow in kWh, both from the network
(import) and injecting back into the network (export).
Network
company
Unison is a network company and is also referred to as the Electricity Lines
Business or Lines Company.
Network companies are regulated by the Commerce Commission, which sets
rules for the tariffs the company can charge, and levels of network reliability.
Point of
common
coupling
This is the point on the network where a consumer’s ICP is connected to
other consumers.
Retailer
A retailer of electrical energy to consumers. Also referred to as an Energy
Trader.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
2. Distributed Generation Overview
2.1 What is
distributed
generation?
Distributed generation is a small power generator with a maximum installed
capacity of 10kW or less in total. It is expected that this generation would be
installed at residential or small commercial premises with an existing
electricity connection (ICP). Small generation systems are likely to include
photovoltaic (solar cells), micro hydro and micro wind.
2.2 Why
Unison must
be informed
of a
generation
connection
Unison must be informed if the generation is to be connected to electrical
circuits which are connected to the Unison network. Therefore, if you intend
to connect a small generator (such as a solar cell to your household circuits)
you will need to notify Unison and gain our approval before you connect.
2.3 How to
gain approval
To gain approval for the connection, you must comply with the requirements
of this document. Even if your power generation is very small we will still
need to be involved to ensure it can be operated safely and without affecting
other customers.
2.4 When
Unison does
not need to be
notified
Unison does not need to be notified if your generation system is stand-alone
and is not connected to Unison’s network.
2.5
Generation
larger than
10kW
For generation larger than 10kW, complete the application form DG2 – Initial
Application for Connection of Distributed Generation > 10 kW which is
available on Unison’s website www.unison.co.nz.
2.6
Information
on selecting
your system
Before selecting your system contact the following:
For…
renewable energy sources
solar energy generation
identifying, selecting and
installing an appropriate
Distributed Generation system
2.7 Before
purchasing a
system
Information can be…
found on the Energy Efficiency
Conservation (EECA) website
http://www.eeca.govt.nz/
obtained from Energy Efficiency
Conservation (EECA).
obtained from your electrician, electricity
retailer or electrical equipment supplier.
It is important that you do not purchase a system until you have:


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completed a Distributed Generation Connection Application form, and
received consent from Unison.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
3. Safety and Standards
3.1 Overview
Electricity can cause serious harm, injury and damage and should only be
handled by certified electricians or electrical engineers.
Before making any applications you need to ensure that your electrician (or
engineering specialist) is involved in the process before any financial
commitment has been made.
3.2 Technical
and safety
requirements
3.3 Standards
3.4 Certificate
You must ensure that your generation scheme will be installed to comply with
the technical and safety requirements as set out in the following standards:

AS4777.1-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 1:
Installation requirements, except from voltage compliance level in section
4.2 where compliance level of 230V +/- 6% as stated in The Electricity
(Safety) Regulations 2010 would apply for installations in New Zealand,
and

AS/NZS3000-2008 Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New
Zealand Wiring Rules).
To ensure your system is safe, the system itself must comply with the
following standards:

AS4777.2-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 2:
Inverter requirements, and

AS4777.3-2005 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters Part 3:
Grid protection requirements.
The vendor of the equipment you intend to use will need to provide you with
a certificate showing that it has been tested by an independent test
organisation in New Zealand (or Australia), and meets the above standards.
Although the above standards refer to inverters, the requirements are the
same for non-inverter based small generation equipment.
All of the above standards can be purchased from Standards Australia via
the website www.standards.com.au.
A list of inverters currently meeting the standards can be found on the
website http://www.solaraccreditation.com.au.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
4. Connect and Install a Small Generator
4.1 When to
use
Use this procedure when you want to install and connect a small generator to
your site.
4.2 Before
you begin
Before you begin this procedure, ensure that you have read and understood
these guidelines.
4.3 Steps
Follow the steps below to connect and install a small distributed generator.
Step
1
Action
Select the system you wish to install and connect.
Note
It is important to make sure that the generator you purchase has:



2
3
complete manufacturer’s installation instructions
design specification details, and
certification from the vendor stating:
 it complies with AS4777.2 and AS4777.3, and
 it has been tested against the standards by an independent
test organisation in New Zealand or Australia. As listed in
Section 3 - Safety and Standards of this document.
Select an electricity specialist to help you with your installation.
Note
This may be your electrician, an electrical engineer or your electrical
contractor.
Complete the DG1 Application form to connect distributed
generation to your property. This form is available on Unison’s
website www.unison.co.nz.
To fill out the form you will need to know:
Fields to Complete
Equipment Details
Equipment Certification
Location Description
Description
 Type
 Model number
 Power Rating etc.
Manufacturer/Dealer’s
certificate
showing it complies with the standards
in Section 3.
Full address and ICP number.
Note
The ICP number can be found on your
electricity bill.
Note
Refer to Appendix A for an example of the DG1 Application form.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Connect and Install a Small Generator, Continued
4.3 Steps (cont)
Step
4
Action
Post or fax the completed form to Unison’s New Connections team
to:
New Connections
Unison Networks Limited
1101 Omahu Road
PO Box 555
Hastings 4156
Fax: 06 873 9311
Note
Once Unison receives your application, Unison will aim to process
the application within 30 working days. All enquiries received by
Unison will be recorded and logged, and their progress monitored.
Result
If Unison…
approves your
application
cannot connect
your generation for
technical reasons
5


then…
 Unison will approve your application in
writing and enclose an agreement for
you to sign.
 Go to Step 5.
Unison will notify you of the estimated costs
of modifications to the connection to allow
generation.
Sign the agreement form sent to you by Unison.
Return the agreement form and the payment specified in the
agreement to Unison.
Note
Most applications for generation 10kW and less in total are
straightforward and there will be an administration fee payable for
assessment and processing of your enquiry.
The latest fee schedules are available in the pricing section of
Unison’s website.
Result
Upon receipt of your payment and signed agreement, Unison will
give the Approval to Connect to your retailer.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Connect and Install a Small Generator, Continued
4.3 Steps (cont)
Step
6
Action
Contact your electricity retailer:

advise them of your intention to install distributed generation at
your premise, and

negotiate the metering and charging arrangements for any
excess electricity that you may generate.
Note
The installation and connection of generation equipment must:


be completed by qualified electrical tradespeople, and
comply with all the appropriate regulations, codes and
standards.
Your electrician will be able to explain the requirements to you.
The electrician must ensure that the installation also meets the
requirements of AS4777.1-2005. This is to ensure:


there is no risk to safety, and
damage does not occur to Unison’s network.
The distributed generation must not be connected to Unison’s
electricity distribution network until:
7
 your retailer has received Approval to Connect from Unison, and
 the installation has been inspected by an electrical inspector.
Arrange for the installation of your generator.
Note
After installing your generator, your electrician will liaise with the
retailer and arrange for an electrical inspector to:




4.4 Warning!
sign a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for the installation
check that the installation meets AS4777.1 2005
return a copy of the signed COC to Unison, and
liven the connection to your generator, allowing you to generate.
If you do not meet the stated standards or your installation does not match
your application form, you will not be allowed to connect your generator to
Unison’s network.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
5. Connection Costs
5.1 What will
you have to
pay?
As this document is designed for generators that are connected to buildings
where there is already an existing power connection (ICP), there will be no
additional fixed lines charges from Unison above the charges you are already
paying.
Where your current tariff includes a lines charge per kWh delivered, you may
pay a lines charge for the kWh amount injected back into the network
(exported), as well as the kWh amount drawn from the network (imported).
Check Unison’s pricing schedules on our website for current tariffs.
As you are likely to require a change in metering equipment, your retailer
may charge you additional fees for the new meters.
If Unison is required to reinforce any part of its system to provide additional
network capacity there will be a charge for the recovery of these costs.
Unison will notify you and get your acceptance of these costs prior to any
work being carried out. If this is required, you will be notified of this when
Unison responds to your application.
5.2 Price
changes
Unison’s pricing is subject to regulation, and the level and structure of our
charges may change. Unison reserves the right to make changes to our
prices in accordance with our terms and conditions.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
6. Terms and Conditions of Application and Connection
6.1
Compliance
The distributed generation must comply with:


all the requirements described in this document, and
the requirements of NZ Standards and Regulations applicable to
distributed generation.
6.2
Completion of
application
form
To avoid delays, it is vital that all parts of the application form are completed
fully by the customer and the electrician.
6.3 Protection
and antiislanding
settings
Once the system has been installed and commissioned by the certified
installer or electrician, the customer must not change any of the protection or
anti-islanding settings covered by AS4777.3-2005. These may only be
changed if permission is given by Unison. The original installer can change
the settings as long as the settings still comply with AS4777.
6.4 Effects on
other
customers
Normally, a small generator complying with the standards required by this
document is unlikely to cause problems for Unison or other customers on the
network. However, if the Distributed Generation system does cause power
quality, voltage fluctuation, flicker, transient voltage, damage or is a nuisance
to other customers at the Point of Common Coupling, Unison may require the
generation to be disconnected. Unison will not provide any compensation
should this be necessary.
6.5 Regulated
terms for
connection of
distributed
generation
The terms for connection of distributed generation to Unison’s network are
the Regulated terms for connection of distributed generation contained
in Part 6 of The Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010, Schedule 6.2.
Unison will return application forms if the information supplied is inadequate
to progress the connection. In this event the response timeframe may be
extended.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Appendix A – DG1 Application Form
Example Only
Refer to Unison website
for original version of form.
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CM0003 Applications and Standards for Connection to a Distributed Generation of 10kW or Less in Total
Appendix B – Summary of Document Changes
Date
09/06/2006
Version
No.
1.0
Changes to Document
26/06/2007
1.1
Addition of Appendix A
Application Form
Policy &
Practice
Manager
Commercial
Manager
05/08/2014
2.0
Full review and update to
new template.
Commercial
Manager
New document
Creator
Authoriser
Approver
Customer
Relations
Manager
GM
Networks &
Operations
GM
Commercial
GM –
Networks &
Operations
CEO
GM
Commercial
Document renamed to
Applications and Standards
for Connection to a
Distributed Generation
Less than 10kW.
Update to references and
links to Unison’s information
and Application process for
connection of DG.
External website links
updated.
Specific reference added;
connection being under
regulated terms for
connection of distributed
generation, Part 6 of The
Electricity Industry
Participation Code 2010 –
Schedule 6.2.
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