Electrical Partners Alert

We are pleased to inform you that the latest versions of the Embedded Generating Connection Standards have now been released and have come into effect from 23 February 2025.

You can access these standards through our network websites or through the below links:

• STNW1170 Version 10 (PDF 669.7 kb)
• STNW1174 Version 7 (PDF 1.7 mb)
• STNW3510 Version 3 (PDF 654.5 kb)
• STNW3511 Version 3 (PDF 962.4 kb)

Dynamic connections as defined in standards STNW3510 and STNW3511 are optional in Queensland. We are currently finalising STNW1175 Version 5 and anticipate the release of this standard shortly.

For further information, please refer to the AS/NZS 4777.1 FAQ fact sheet (PDF 1.1 mb) which provides guidance and information on how AS/NZS 4777.1 applies to HV connections under STNW1175.

We have seen an increase in applications for Modular Battery Systems. We have put together the below step by step guide to assist you with applications specifically for SigenStor and Sungrow SBR Series products. For any further enquiries regarding products or listings, contact the device manufacturer or visit Inverters at Clean Energy Council.

When increasing the battery capacity for SigenStor products, 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. This is achieved by clicking the lightning bolt icon indicated below:

Once the original inverter has been decommissioned, all devices (Panels and/or Batteries) connected to this record will be decommissioned.

You must then select the inverter model that corresponds with the battery model.

Indicated below is an example of a correct submission:

Indicated below is an example of an incorrect submission:

When applying for Sungrow SBR Series batteries, while it is noted this consists of 3.2kWh stackable battery modules, it is a requirement that battery details within the application exactly match the details published in the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Batteries List.

Indicated below is an example of a correct submission:

Indicated below is an example of an incorrect submission:

If increasing the battery capacity (adding new modules) for Sungrow SBR Series you will need to decommission the existing device record for the battery by clicking the lightning bolt icon.

You must then select the battery model that corresponds to the nominal battery capacity published in the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Batteries List.

For further assistance completing your application, please refer to our Applicant Guide Battery Information (PDF 465.5 kb).

Customers continue to throw their support behind dynamic connections. Over 1500 customers to date have opted for a dynamic connection for embedded generation installations like rooftop solar.

Dynamic connections for embedded generation are a connection option that can help your customers export more solar and potentially install a larger combined solar and battery system, particularly in areas of the network where a high amount of solar is already connected.

Installers can find detailed information on dynamic connections here. We have made explaining what a dynamic connection is to your customers easy, with our Dynamic Connections factsheet and our handy new animation.

To enable a dynamic connection, an inverter or gateway device registered with our utility server is required. We now have 12 compliant providers to choose from.

We have partnered with the Clean Energy Council to develop an online training course for installers to understand how to implement a dynamic connection. The course, Queensland Dynamic Connections, outlines how a Dynamic Connection works including:

• The benefits for customers
• How to apply for a Dynamic Connection
• 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.

Please note: Electrical contractors must not work on or in any S.E.A.Q. type concrete pillars. i.e. no installation or replacement of Consumers Mains.

All work on S.E.A.Q. type concrete electrical pillars is required to be carried out while the pillar is de-energised.

Below you will find an example of S.E.A.Q type concrete pillars:

We are currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to Ergon Energy Network and Energex Standards for the connection of solar, batteries and other embedded generation to our distribution networks.

We are committed to consulting with the solar industry on changes that affect you and welcome your feedback. The proposed release of the latest versions of the connection standards will align with the implementation of the AS/NZS4777 series effective from 23^rd February 2024.

To review a draft copy of the standards please visit our Talking Energy website and follow the instruction to provide feedback by COB Friday 14^th February 2025.

We are proposing the following high-level changes to the Standards:

• STNW1170 Version 10
  • Changes to the requirement for Interface Protection
  • Phase balance requirements updated
  • New sections added for Generation Limit and Inverter Power Sharing Device
  • Clarified EV and EVSE capable of reverse power flow requirements
  • Terminology alignment

• STNW1174 Version 7
  • Changes to the requirement for Interface Protection
  • Phase balance requirements updated
  • New sections added for Generation Limit and Inverter Power Sharing Device
  • Clarified EV and EVSE capable of reverse power flow requirements
  • Terminology alignment

• STNW1175 Version 5
  • Changes to the requirement for Interface Protection
  • Updated cybersecurity requirements aligning to Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth)
  • RS232 Based Serial connection accepted as an alternative SCADA communication link
  • Terminology alignment

• STNW3510 Version 3
  • Changes to the requirement for Interface Protection
  • Phase balance requirements updated
  • New sections added for Generation Limit and Inverter Power Sharing Device
  • Clarified EV and EVSE capable of reverse power flow requirements
  • Terminology alignment

• STNW3511 Version 3
  • Changes to the requirement for Interface Protection
  • Phase balance requirements updated
  • New sections added for Generation Limit and Inverter Power Sharing Device
  • Clarified EV and EVSE capable of reverse power flow requirements
  • Terminology alignment

A webinar will be held to discuss the changes and feedback received with our Standards team.

Click the link below to register:

9:00am – 10:00am – Thursday 6 February 2025

If you are unable to attend this session it will be recorded and available on our Talking Energy website for review.

Be sure to submit your feedback and if you have any questions, please contact us at standardsfeedback@energyq.com.au

Last year the Clean Energy Regulator introduced new solar installer accreditation requirements, and as part of the changes, accreditation changed over from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).

We will be transitioning our electrical contractors’ 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 SAA 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 SAA please see their website or the Clean Energy Regulator’s website.

With the holiday and the storm season now upon us, we are all working hard to wrap things up for 2024.

We wanted to reach out to let you know, the release of the draft DNSP standards update for AS/NZS 4777.11:2024 has been rescheduled now to January 2025.

Consultation webinars will follow the release of the draft standards – so watch this space!

If you have any questions, please contact standardsfeedback@energyq.com.au.

Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season.

We have introduced a new guideline to assist you with our private property pole inspection program. This guideline sets out the process for inspection requirements for inspecting wood, metal and concrete poles, evidence to be provided by the electrical contractor and defect management.

To access the guideline, use the links below:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

For technical support and further information regarding the application of this guideline, please contact our team through the QECM query call back request form:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

Or contact us through the Electrical Contractors Hotline on:

• Ergon Energy Network 1800 237 466
• Energex 1300 762 397

Our staff are encountering site installations with unsealed metering isolation links. Please note that the breaking of these seals is permitted to provide a safe method of isolation. However, it is the responsibility and duty of care of the Electrical Contractor to ensure that the site is left safe electrically.

Access to live parts without the use of a tool is considered a Dangerous Electrical Event (DEE) in the Electrical Safety Act 2002. The correct process is to raise an EWR for Reseal Metering Isolation links via our Electrical Partners Portal.

If a customer has an older style of electromechanical meter (pictured below left) you are required to leave the Alternating Current (AC) Isolator off until a suitable electronic type of meter is installed.

If a customer already has an electronic type of meter (pictured above right) that is suitable for the connection of Embedded Generation (EG) units, you can turn the AC Isolator on.

In either case, you will need to lodge an Electrical Work Request (EWR) in accordance with the connection contract which confirms the work has been completed as per AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 4777.

If you are unsure of the metering at the customer's premise, this can be confirmed by the customer's Retailer or Metering Provider.

Turning the AC Isolator on, whilst an electromechanical meter is still being used will have consequences for the customer’s billing and result in the customer usage being estimated based on previous history instead of actual reads.

We continue to experience high volumes of cancellation requests for Negotiated Connection Applications once the application fee is applied and the invoice raised.

When submitting your low voltage (LV) generation application, please ensure you understand the type of connection you are applying for, the relevant process and your customer has agreed to the application fee.

As an applicant, you have an obligation to ensure the information supplied in the application is accurate and representative of the system you intend to install or modify.

To learn more about our standards, process, and application fees, please visit the relevant websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

For further enquiries, please contact our team at:

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

If you have a question about a Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clause, we have a handy online form for your question.

You can attach files to the form, including photos, diagrams and even a site plan to help our team understand your question. Our team are on hand to return your call and if you need an email reply just let us know. The online form can be found at:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex