Feeder limitations
We are seeking demand response or non-network solutions to help us manage network constraints and/or limitations in certain target areas. The specifics of the identified need may vary slightly for each target area and related feeder.
Non-network solutions could comprise one or a combination of embedded generation or battery storage systems, call-off load, load shift or other demand-side load management solutions.
Current consultations
Guidance & enquiries
For further guidance on what to include in your submission, refer to Appendix E of our Industry Engagement Document (PDF 5.1 mb).
Enquiries for information that will enable you to provide an informed response should be emailed to demandmanagement@energex.com.au.
Submitting your proposal
We encourage customers and Demand Management (DM) providers to submit proposals for DM solutions via our Demand management partnering application form. Proposals can also be emailed to demandmanagement@energex.com.au.
Depending on the project, proposals for DM solutions should include:
- customer site information
- proposed project details
- required hardware
- a reasonable estimate of costs (+/- 40%), including incentive payments
- timeframe for delivery
- details about the proponent submitting the proposal (including any experience with similar projects)
- a description of the proposed DM product and how it services the network limitation (either partially or in full)
- the time, duration and output of load (kVA per year) expected to be managed (this may address minimum or maximum load)
- relevant technical information (such as capacity of generators, dispatch details and proposed connection points) development status (if applicable)
- identified market benefits and a clear methodology used to calculate those benefits
- evidence the proponent has customer authorisation to recover bill/data/site information from the network distributor
- any other relevant information.
In some cases, we may request specific details that respond to criteria relevant to the identified network limitation. Our Demand and Energy Management Team are available to provide further information via email demandmanagement@energex.com.au.
Case Study: Stanage Bay
The issue
Stanage Bay is a remote community with fewer than 100 permanent residents. However, during the Christmas/New Year and Easter holiday periods, the number of visitors increases significantly.
This seasonal influx puts additional pressure on the single-wire, earth return (SWER) low voltage electricity network that supplies the area, especially during the evenings. During these peak times, the network can experience power quality issues, particularly voltage sag.
To ensure a reliable electricity supply for Stanage Bay residents and visitors during these high-demand periods, we sought 20kVA of local, dispatchable generation, to add to the network.
The solution
In 2015, we addressed this challenge by establishing an initial four-year Network Service Agreement (NSA) with the local general store, Plumtree Store & Crab Pot Bar with options to extend the agreement.
Under this agreement, the store operated its on-site 10kVA generator between 6:00pm and 9:00pm on peak days, providing support to the network for up to 60 hours of run time each year.
Through this arrangement, Plumtree Store & Crab Pot Bar was compensated for running its generator, which effectively removed its load from the network. This action helped to mitigate voltage sag and maintain consistent power quality for the local community.
The partnership proved highly valuable, effective, and cost-efficient for both us and Plumtree Store & Crab Pot Bar, leading to an extension of the NSA until 2026. As a result, we were able to postpone costly, but ultimately necessary, network augmentation for a decade. These savings help reduce upward pressure on network cost that are part of customer bills.
For an easy to print version, please download our Stanage Bay Case Study (PDF 667.5 kb).
Register & stay connected
Our Industry Engagement Register is for stakeholders who wish to stay up to date about distribution network planning and expansion projects, as well as upcoming Request for Proposals and Expressions of Interest.
It’s our way of keeping you informed about how we’re investing in the network, and how you can get involved in future non-network initiatives.
Receive email notifications about our network planning and expansion projects, including Request for Proposals and Expressions of Interest.
Closed consultations
- Request for Proposal - Distribution Feeder Limitations 2024-25 (PDF 274.2 kb)
- Request for Proposal - Marginally At Risk Feeders 2024-25 (PDF 240.9 kb)
- Request for Proposal - Distribution Feeder Limitations 2022-23 (PDF 313.5 kb)
- Request for Proposal - Distribution Feeder Limitations 2021-22 (PDF 275.0 kb)