How to connect - Larger systems over 30kVA
Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems can help manage your demand on our electricity network during peak times and assist in the event of emergency outages or power supply interruptions.
These can be DER systems such as:
- Bumpless or parallel systems via rotating machines (i.e. diesel)
- Exporting systems via renewable energy technology such as solar, battery, wind and biogases.
These DER systems usually benefit from the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) standing exemption and are required to follow the connection process under Chapter 5A of the NER.
Our Network Load Capacity Map shows details about the local electricity network, including historical load, the amount of generation connected and the capacity of network assets.
Whilst all individual connection applications are subject to our normal connection assessment processes, this may provide a general indication of whether a site may have particular export restrictions applied.
How to apply for connection
Start by submitting an enquiry
To apply for connection, you must first submit an enquiry through our Electrical Partners Portal.
Read our Over 30 kVA Enquiry Work Instruction (PDF 2.5 mb) or watch the instructional video for the key steps to provide the required information and track your enquiry, helping ensure larger systems are assessed and connected in line with network requirements.
Fee payment, assessment and application
This document provides an overview of the steps involved in the enquiry and application process for DER systems over 30 kVA (PDF 117.7 kb).
As part of the connection process, we’ll check if the local electricity network can support your proposed system to work effectively. We’ll also need to establish a connection contract with you.
Further information on the connection process is available in Part A of our DER Systems Information Pack (PDF 2.7 mb). The following information explains the types of connections.
Basic connection
If your connection qualifies as a basic connection service according to our Connection Policy (PDF 653.1 kb), (and Factsheet (PDF 1.3 mb)), our Model Standing Offer (PDF 597.7 kb) explains the applicable conditions for connecting your DER system to our electricity distribution network.
Negotiated connection
Where your connection does not qualify as a basic connection service, or you choose to negotiate the terms of your connection contract, you can negotiate your connection offer with us according to the National Electricity Rules framework. Please refer to our Negotiated Connection Agreement (PDF 387.9 kb) for our indicative terms.
Dynamic negotiated connection
Where dynamic export is requested, the application will be assessed as a negotiated connection. Please refer to our Dynamic Negotiated Agreement (PDF 1014.3 kb) or our indicative terms and conditions. For more detailed information on how dynamic connections operate refer to our About Dynamic Connections web page.
Connection contract
Under the National Electricity Rules, when we receive a connection application we must make an offer to the applicant to enter into a connection contract. Your connection contract will commence when you accept our connection offer.
Increasing an existing application
If you need to access a previously submitted and approved enquiry through to an application in the Electrical Partners Portal, please read our Over 30kVA Increase Application Work Instruction (PDF 4.3 mb) or watch the instructional video. They outline the steps to provide the required details, ensuring your proposed increase is assessed and approved in line with network requirements.
Enquiry and application fees
Fees and charges will depend on the type of connection service you have applied for, and whether any work (augmentation) is needed on the electricity network to allow for the connection of your system.
If any network changes are required to enable your connection, an estimate of these charges will be included in your connection offer.
Enquiry response fees
| Connection type | Enquiry fee (excluding GST) | Enquiry fee (including GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 kVA – 200 kVA | $1,433.12 | $1,576 |
| 201 kVA – 1,499 kVA | $1,433.12 | $1,576 |
|
Fixed EG systems Bumpless transfer stand-by (for testing only) | $1,433.12 | $1,576 |
| Connections with construction works | To be quoted | |
| Connections with multiple connection points | To be quoted | |
Application fees
| Connection type | Application fee (excluding GST) | Application fee (including GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic connection (Inverter Energy System (IES) including Energy Storage System (ESS)) | $1,146.50 | $1,261 |
| 30 kVA – 200 kVA | $3,436.18 | $3,779 |
|
30 kVA – 200 kVA SWER connections | $3,436.18 - $4,442.67 | $3,779 - $4,886 |
| Connections on an isolated network | $4,872.61 - $8,455.41 | $5,359 – $9,300 |
| Connections with solar share (IPSD) | $8,025.47 - $10,318.46 | $8,828 - $11,350 |
| 201 kVA – 1,499 kVA | To be quoted | |
| Fixed EG – Bumpless transfer | To be quoted | |
| Fixed EG – Standby (for testing only) | To be quoted | |
| Premises with multiple connection points | To be quoted | |
| Embedded networks | To be quoted | |
| DER construction projects where network augmentation is required | To be quoted | |
Advice services fees
| Advice service type | Advice service description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Site specific advice | Embedded network / Bulk metered site investigation | To be quoted |
| Site specific advice | Technical advice | To be quoted |
| Site specific advice | Consultation service | To be quoted |
| Non-standard connection | Non-standard / Dispensation request | To be quoted |
| Design Compliance Report (DCR) resubmission | Review of revised DCR | To be quoted |
| Compliance Report (CR) resubmission | Review of revised CR | To be quoted |
| Revised technical study | Revision of a technical study | To be quoted |
All our connection charges have been approved by the Australian Energy Regulator.
Important information for generators (FAQs)
The latest versions of the Embedded Generating Connection Standards came into effect from 23 February 2025. For more information about this change, please read our FAQs (see link below).
Check out our frequently asked questions about solar connections, standards and technical matters.
Relevant documents
Expand the accordions below for links to important relevant documents.
Get in touch
Do you have a specific question about connecting an embedded generator? If so, please contact our Solar and Renewables Team at energexgeneration@energyq.com.au.
For general enquiries please contact the Connections Team at queenslandconnections@energyq.com.au