Electrical Partners Alert

We would like to remind installers that the Emergency Backstop mechanism requires a Generation Signalling Device (GSD) to be installed in new and certain upgraded solar systems, 10kVA or above.

We are continuing to undertake inspections to ensure the GSD is installed and operating correctly when a demand response signal is sent to the GSD.

Installers can undertake their own test of the GSD being installed and the inverter settings to confirm that they are configured correctly. This can be done by removing the RJ45 plug from the DRM mode port on the inverter, or by disconnecting the GSD from the terminal block.  This should trigger the Demand Response Mode (DRM) 0 functionality to cease generation in accordance with clause 3.2.2 (d) of AS/NZS 4777.2.

Where a non-compliance is identified as part of an inspection, a letter will be sent to the relevant proponent (typically the retail customer) advising them of the rectification work(s) required.

The relevant proponent must ensure that the non-compliance is rectified as a matter of priority. If the non-compliance is not rectified within the specified timeframe it may result in the connection contract being terminated and the embedded generation system being disconnected from the network.

Further information on the requirements of the Emergency Backstop mechanism can be found on our websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Are you facing challenges complying with the Emergency Backstop requirements? We’d like to understand the challenges you are facing, please contact us at:

• Ergon Energy Network demandmanagement@ergon.com.au
• Energex demandmanagement@energex.com.au

We understand that time is of the essence when you’re in the field, and having quick access to accurate information can make all the difference. To better assist you, below are a few of the most common queries and their answers from the Electrical Contractors Hotline:

Overhead Point of Attachment (POA)

• Is the POA in a compliant location?
• Is the service line crossing a neighbouring property?
• Does the service line meet the minimum clearance requirements?

In these cases, please refer to clause 6.4 and clause 6.7 in the QECM.

If further clarification is required, an Enquiry for a Point of Attachment can be submitted via the Electrical Partners Portal.

EV Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Where a customer’s electrical installation is 100 amps per phase or less, and a load, such as EVSE is installed at a premises that is either:

• greater than 20 amps single phase; or
• 40 amps three-phase,

that load must be under Active Device Management.

In these cases, please refer to the following clauses in the QECM.

• 8.5.2
• 8.10
• 8.14
• 10.6.5
• Drawing QCD08-01
• Drawing QCD08-02

For further information and to assist you in submitting an Electrical Work Request (EWR) correctly for EVSE in our Electrical Partners Portal, we have developed a detailed guide including screenshots located on our websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex
• EVSE on Primary Tariff (Network Device AFLC)

For any Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) enquiries, you can use our QECM query call back request webform. The webform allows you to submit your queries and concerns directly to our support team through an easy-to-use online platform at the links below:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

We encourage Electrical Contractors to use the QECM query call back request webform for all queries and concerns. By doing so, you will not only help us prioritise urgent matters but also contribute to more efficient and effective customer support.

If you experience any issues with the webform or have any further feedback, please contact us via: qecmtechadvice@energyq.com.au

Please ensure you are making the correct service selections before submitting your EWR for Additions and Alterations work, which requires Metering Provider Coordination.

If you require Metering Provider Coordination, please select "Yes" to "Are you cutting over to a new Switchboard?" then select "Yes" to "As part of the cutover, will a new meter be required".

Should you select “No” to either of these options, Metering Provider Coordination will not be organised by our team as per your Service Selections.

Friendly reminder, please ensure you are submitting all the required paperwork with the correct service selections for your job in a timely manner to ensure there are no delays in completing Customer Requested Work.

In some cases, appointments which require a third party to attend (including but not limited to Metering Provider Coordination or Traffic Control) can take up to 6 weeks. We suggest submitting your Electrical Work Request (EWR) with a future dated Ready for Test Date, up to 12 weeks in advance for time sensitive jobs.

The recent release of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 on 23 August 2024 has clarified the requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) capable of reverse power transfer either in the form of Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

Both V2B and V2G EVSE are not categorised as a BESS that need to conform with AS/NZS 5139:2019.

This updated inverter standard clears the way for customers looking to export electricity from their Electric Vehicle (EV) to their home or the grid. Those seeking to connect V2B and V2G capable EVSE should look for Clean Energy Council compliant products and apply to connect an Inverter Energy System (IES).

Ergon Energy Network and Energex’s Connection standards STNW1170 ‘Standard for Small IES Connections’ and STNW3510 ‘Dynamic Standard for Small IES Connections’ section 4.4.2 will be revised as part of an upcoming broader review to reflect this change.

For further information, please contact our team at:

• Ergon Energy Network ergongeneration@energyq.com.au
• Energex energexgeneration@energyq.com.au

As per the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (Qld) Part 6, section 70 when electrical work is performed, an electrical installation must comply with the requirements of the wiring rules AS/NZS 3000.

Clause 7.3.2 of AS/NZS 3000 requires PV arrays forming part of an electricity system to comply with AS/NZS 5033 of which PV modules must meet the IEC 61215 series (all parts).

As advised by the Clean Energy Council, compliance had been grandfathered from IEC 61215:2005 to the new IEC 61215 series for installations which were eligible for Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs), this will be ending on 30 September 2024.

From 1 October 2024, all grid connected electrical installations connecting to low voltage in Queensland, shall require panels in compliance with 2021 edition of the IEC 61215 series as per the scope of AS/NZS 5033.

When applying for a connection agreement in the portal, the only PV modules available for selection will be compliant to AS/NZS 5033 with the Clean Energy Council.

For further enquiries, please contact our team at standardsfeedback@energyq.com.au

When the National Metering Installation Requirements (MIR) version 2 came into effect on 21 February 2024, a transition period of 6 months applied in which connection applications could be submitted that complied with either the Queensland Electricity Metering Manual (QEMM) version 3 or MIR version 2.

This transition period will end on 22 August 2024. All connection offers accepted on and from this date will be required to comply with MIR version 2.

For further information, please contact: QECM2024@energyq.com.au

Or access the relevant website QECM page:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Please be reminded, as per Version 4 of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM), consumer mains are required to be labelled with the premises lot number and street name at a minimum. It is preferred to have the full street address detailed (street number and street name) if known.

Consumer main labels:

• Shall be designed to last the lifetime of the installation.
• Shall be fixed in a manner that will not degrade over time, (e.g., use of UV rated cable ties).
• Any writing on the labels shall be legible and permanent.

Please also note that electrical conduit with permanent marker is no longer an acceptable means of labelling consumer mains.

Please find below examples of suitable labels:

For your information, the quoted fees for Low Voltage (LV) Generation connection enquiries and applications will be increasing from 1 August 2024. These fees will be published on our Network websites.

For any further enquiries please contact the Solar and Renewables team:

• Ergon Energy Network ergongeneration@energyq.com.au
• Energex energexgeneration@energyq.com.au

If you are completing electrical works and require two visits from our crews to drop and rehang the service line at a property, please ensure you are selecting the Secondary Service option “Drop and Re-erect Service”. This also applies for an extended drop of the service line for up to 40 business days.

For work that does not require an appointment or only a single visit from our crews, please don’t select “Drop and Re-erect Service”. Ensuring this is not selected means that your job will be scheduled promptly and is not delayed by our team attempting to contact you.

Version 4 of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) expanded the ways that premises supplied at 100amps per phase or less can connect Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with device management from the network provided by either a network relay or Dynamic Connection.

Network Relay

To assist you in submitting an EWR correctly for EVSE with a Network Relay in our Electrical Partners Portal we have developed a detailed guide including screenshots located on our websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Dynamic Connections

We have developed a web form to allow you to register your device with our dynamic server. Registration can be completed prior to the installation of the EVSE so you can confirm the Dynamic Connection onsite. Please allow a minimum of 10 business days for the registration to activate. There is currently one gateway device certified for EVSE Dynamic Connection. Our online forms are located on our websites:

• Ergon Energy Network online form
• Energex online form

If you are completing electrical works and require two visits from our crews to drop and rehang the service line at a property, please ensure you are selecting the Secondary Service option “Drop and Re-erect Service”. This also applies for an extended drop of the service line for up to 40 business days.

For work that does not require an appointment or only a single visit from our crews, please don’t select “Drop and Re-erect Service”. Ensuring this is not selected means that your job will be scheduled promptly and is not delayed by our team attempting to contact you.