Electrical Partners Alert

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.

We would like to remind installers that they 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

When submitting a connection application for a new connection or alteration to an existing connection, please ensure that the application contains all essential information. Accurately providing this information assists our Connections team with processing timeframes and identifying potential issues that could cause delay or disruption to the connection.

Supplying incorrect or incomplete information may result in:

• Incorrect assessment of supply availability;
• Crews attending site with no available supply;
• Inability to expedite a basic connection; and/or
• Delays and additional costs.

For example: Prior to answering “Is electricity supply available to your property from the existing network?” it is vital that the applicant has confirmed that the correct number of low voltage phases are available and/or there are the correct number of fuses available in the underground pillar for the requested connection.

The following table provides information to determine whether a Supply Availability Enquiry or a Connection Application is required.

When carrying out a firmware upgrade to inverter(s) to meet AS/NZS 4777.2: 2020 compliance compliance, please ensure you make a new application via our Electrical Partners Portal selecting the relevant option from the below:

To complete your application correctly, you will need to decommission the existing inverter record for the inverter you have upgraded. This is achieved by clicking the lightning bolt icon indicated below:

Once the original inverter has been decommissioned, you must select the AS 4777.2 2020 version of the inverter as a new “Equipment” entry.

If you require further assistance, please contact our team:

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

If you would like to include a battery as part of an embedded generation application please ensure you are using information provided within the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Battery List, not details directly from the battery system’s brochure or user manual.

Refer to the CEC Approved Battery List for:

• Manufacturer name, model name/number, kWh capacity and kVA output rating.
• Device output (kVA), found under Rated Apparent AC Power (kVA).
• Storage capacity (nominal kWh), found under Nominal Battery Capacity (kWh).

Also, where multiple battery systems are being installed, please provide the correct quantity.
Accurately providing information assists our team with processing timeframes and identifying potential issues that could cause delay or disruption to the completion of the application.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding applying for batteries, please email our team at:

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

Have you heard about Dynamic Connections but aren’t sure what they are or how they could benefit your customers installing solar and batteries?

We have partnered with the Clean Energy Council to develop an online training course for installers. The course outlines how a Dynamic Connection works including the customer benefits; how to apply for a Dynamic Connection; and how to install and commission Dynamic Connections for embedded generation systems (up to 30kVA) in Queensland.

The course is eligible for Continuing Professional Development (30 points) under Solar Accreditation Australia’s CPD training (course code CPD037).

To access this course, log into the Clean Energy Council’s LearnLab. The course can be found under the “CPD Core” category and can be accessed with the enrolment key QDC01.

We have also developed a separate webform for you to register dynamic embedded generation (i.e., Solar PV) located on our websites:

*    Ergon Energy Network
*    Energex

The recent release of version four of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) highlights meter board requirements for a non-domestic premises.

As per Table 54 in clause 9.8.3 of the QECM version 4, a meter board for a single non-domestic premise can be located:

• (i) at a location exterior to any buildings or structures; and
• (ii) as near as practical to the point of attachment at ground level.

Additionally, a meter board may be within a switch room provided it is as near as practical to the point of attachment at ground level with an external access and appropriate utility access locks are provided in accordance with clause 9.7 to enable the distributor to have access at any time.

Where a single non-domestic meter board is installed in a switch room with utility locks, there is no requirement to seek a non-standard variation approval for the meter board location and this location shall be considered compliant with clause 9.8.3.

QECM version 4 can be found on our website or from the relevant link below:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Electrical contractors and workers are reminded there are penalties associated with breaching sections of the Electricity Act 1994 (QLD):

230 Unlawful interference with electricity entity’s works
A person must not wilfully and unlawfully interfere with an electricity entity’s works.
Example of interference—attaching something to an electricity entity’s works.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.
232 Unlawful interference with supply of electricity to customer
A person must not unlawfully connect or disconnect supply of electricity to a customer or interfere with supply of electricity to a customer.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.

Relocating, removing and/or interfering with an overhead service line or a network device contravenes these sections of the Act.

The Point of Attachment Approved Listing (released 2024) was developed to provide Registered Professional Engineers Queensland (RPEQ) certified designs of property poles. This list currently only contains steel property poles.

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Please note: Design and manufacturing drawings for steel property poles installed should have prior RPEQ certification as per clause 6.7.6.3 of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) version 4.

What if my pole is not on the list?
You can seek approval for a custom steel property pole design, as per QECM clauses 6.7.6.3 and 6.7.3 (e). You will need to apply for approval via the QECM query form (linked below) prior to submitting your Electrical Work Request (EWR) for connection. If you do not have this approval prior to submitting your EWR, the connection will not proceed, and an Electricity Defect Report will be issued advising you to apply for RPEQ approval for the steel property pole.

The QECM query form can be accessed via the relevant websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

The information you will be required to supply for a steel property pole approval is detailed in version 4 QECM Appendix B, table 59:

• Structural RPEQ certification Form 15.
• Manufacturing drawings drawn with a computer-aid drawing package.
• Detailed design information.
• Foundation requirements.
• Form 12 may be required.

For any further information regarding this please contact: QECM2024@energyq.com.au

Please note: We have a specialised menu option (Option 8) on our Electrical Contractors Hotline to ensure you can report faults such as loss of supply, network damage and broken relays quickly and efficiently:

• Ergon Energy Network 1800 237 466 (Option 8)
• Energex 1300 762 397 (Option 8)

To report a life threatening or emergency situation, such as shocks and tingles or powerlines down, please ensure you use our emergency line:

• Ergon Energy Network 13 16 70
• Energex 13 19 62

Please note: We’ve updated our web content to better explain the benefits of dynamic connections and how to apply for, and install a dynamic connection:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

We’ve developed tailored content for customers and installers and developed a dynamic connection factsheet in response to feedback from customers. We encourage installers to use this factsheet to help explain the dynamic connection option to their customers.

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Please be reminded where a connection application falls outside the terms set out in a basic connection contract, the applicant will be required to enter into a negotiated connection contract.

In these instances, the nominated party will be invoiced for any relevant costs for managing the connection application and preparing the negotiated connection offer. These charges are separate to any design and construction charges required to enable network capacity for the requested supply.

To avoid delays in processing connection applications, it is vital the correct billing contact and billing details are provided in the application.

Please ensure you inform your clients of any relevant connection charges and fees, this information is located on our websites, linked below:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

The Clean Energy Regulator have introduced new solar installer accreditation requirements, and as part of the changes, solar installers must transfer their accreditation over from Clean Energy Council (CEC) to Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) before 29 May 2024.

We will be transitioning our electrical contractor’s portal to a new solution suitable for SAA numbering shortly.

While we further outwork options, the following steps can be taken to submit a solar installation application:

• Where you now have a Solar Accreditation Australia number and you are prompted to submit your ‘Clean Energy Council Accreditation Number’, click on ‘Manually enter non-CEC accredited installer’.

• Complete the following fields:
  • Installer name
  • Mobile number
  • Other contact number (where relevant)
  • Email

For more information on requirements to transfer to Solar Accreditation Australia please visit the Solar Accreditation Australia website or the Clean Energy Regulator website.