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Connecting Distributed Generation

to The Lines Company network

Distributed Generation (DG) is any equipment used to generate electricity that is connected to the distribution network. This includes fixed generation such as solar panels, wind turbines and hydro generation that may be connected to supply homes and businesses.

Connecting to Distributed Generation (DG)

It is important to apply to The Lines Company before you connect DG

It is vital that The Lines Company is aware of all connected generation sources to maintain the quality of supply to our customers, and to ensure the safety of our staff working on the electricity system during faults and planned maintenance.

DG is split into two categories

  • Less than 10kW — these are generally installed into homes and small businesses.
  • Over 10kW — these are usually larger more complex systems used by industrial customers or large businesses.

As the number of DG systems connected to the network increases, the energy they generate may impact the operations and management of the network.

To manage this, we have created a congestion management policy, outlined in our Distributed Generation Policy. All distributed generation must comply with this policy.

VIEW THE DISTRIBUTED GENERATION POLICY

There are four things you need to know before you connect DG to the network

  • You must apply before you connect
  • You must only connect approved DG equipment
  • You must follow the approval process and TLC policies
  • There is a fee to apply to connect DG

Application fees

For small systems (10 kW and less) — e.g. a typical residential solar system less than 10kW:

  • $100 + GST for systems with an approved inverter (see below)
  • $200 + GST for systems without an approved inverter

Fees for large systems (more than 10kW) will be assessed and advised by TLC.

Application process to connect a small system (less than 10kW)

The application process to connect a small system could be affected by whether the inverter is already approved by TLC.

If your Inverter is not on TLC’s approved list, then you will need to provide a copy of the AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 declaration of conformity certificate while submitting your application.

Please note that approval of your request is subject to TLC’s engineering team performing a technical assessment and deciding to either approve or reject your installation request.

Check if your inverter is on TLC’s approved list

Full process

  1. Fill out the application form with generator details and pay the application fee.
  2. TLC will confirm receipt of application within 5 business days
  3. TLC will approve or decline the application within 30 business days
  4. TLC will advise if additional processes such as pre and post installation inspections are required, and if so additional fees may apply.
Complete your distributed generation application

Application process to connect a large system (more than 10kW)

TLC will need to do a network system study to review whether the generation can be connected without impacting its network assets.

The application process for large systems has three steps which are outlined below.
A fee may apply to do the system study and provide engineering resources (if required) to support the installation. The fee will be advised by TLC during the application process.

Initial Application Process

  1. Fill out the application form and pay the initial application fee. Fees:
    • $500 if DG capacity 10kW to 100kW
    • $1,000 if DG capacity 100kW to 1MW
    • $5,000 if DG capacity >1MW
  2. TLC will confirm receipt of application within 5 business days.
  3. TLC will provide relevant network information (as required in The Code) within 30 business days.

Refer to the Electricity Industry Participation Code, Schedule 6.1 Part 2 Clause 12

Final Application Process

  1. If you wish to proceed, we’ll work with you on the final application process.
  2. TLC will notify you within the timeframe specified in Clause 19 stating that the application is approved (subject to conditions specified), or declined. Timeframes from receipt of final applications are:
    • 45 business days if <1MW
    • 60 business days if 1 to 5MW
    • 80 business days if >5MW
  3. Within 30 business days of receiving approval from TLC: Notify TLC in writing if you wish to proceed;

OR

If you do not accept all the conditions outlined by TLC’s approval, advise TLC that you wish to dispute.

 

Connection Process

  1. Connection
    Connect your generator. (Connection must be via an approved TLC contractor).
  2. Contract
    TLC and the Customer must attempt to negotiate a Connection Contract within 30 days, or longer by mutual agreement.
  3. Testing and inspection
    Customer must give notice to TLC of testing. TLC may observe. The observation to be paid by the customer.
Complete your distributed generation application