Connecting your generation
If you’re installing your own solar power, wind or liquid fuel power generator and you want to connect to our network for reliability or to feed excess supply back into the grid, you need to let us know so that we can ensure it’s safely connected to our network.
We’re now allowing export of single-phase connections up to 10kW, increasing the limit on how much solar power you can export back to the grid.
For a full guide to our distributed generation process, read our distributed generation policy. Or, see below for an overview.
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Step 1
Your installer completes the application form
Your installer needs to submit a Distributed Generation connection application. Your installer will need to provide different information depending on the size of your generator, and the design, installation, equipment and protection settings being used.
To confirm that your system will be able to export its full capacity to the Powerco network your installer may first need to visit your site to take some measurements of the electrical supply at the property, as outlined in Appendix E of our Distributed Generation Up to 10kW Connection Standard.
For your application to be approved, you’ll need to use an approved inverter in your setup.
Approved inverters
An application fee may apply as follows:Up to 10kW – no charge
10kW – 100kW - $500
100kW – 1MW - $1,000
1MW or more - $5,000
Fees don’t include GST.
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Step 2
We assess your application
We’ll assess your application. If we need more information to process your application, we’ll let you know within five working days.
If the load you’re generating will exceed what is supported by the transformer you’ll be connected to, we will notify your installer to amend your application.
If there are no issues, we’ll notify your installer that your application has been accepted.
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Step 3
Your installer carries out the work
Once approved by us, your installer will install and test your system. Your installation will need to comply with our Distributed Generation Connection standards.Distributed generation up to 10kW connection standard
Distributed generation over 10kW connection standardWe’ll require a copy of the Certificate of Compliance and the Commissioning Declaration from your installer to verify that your system complies with the Electricity (Safety Regulations 2010)
We may opt to come and test or inspect your system. Fees will apply at our discretion as follows:
10kW – 100kW - $120
100Kw or more - $1,200
Fees don’t include GST.
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Step 4
Contact your retailer
You’ll need a meter to track your electricity use. Your meter is arranged with your retailer (the company you pay your power bill to). Talk to your installer about what you’ll need before talking with your retailer.
Network export constraints
These transformers are nearing maximum network capacity and are subject to export capacity constraints. If you’re connecting to one of these transformers the amount of electricity your system can feed back into the network may be limited.
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Transformer name: |
Location: |
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TC2-267 |
2193 SH2, Apata |
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X1212 |
107 Veale Rd, New Plymouth |
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TC5456 |
92 Comers Rd, Whitianga |
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TF2-004 |
1303 Omanawa Rd, Tauranga |
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TE3-145 |
55 Williams Rd Nth, Tauranga |
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X2486 |
327 Bushy Park Rd, Whanganui |
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T9/373 |
Ngarata Rd, Alfredton |
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TE3-145 |
Williams Rd, Pyes Pa |
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Y3199 |
116 Croydon Rd, Midhirst |
We don’t expect any other transformers to be constrained in the next 12 months.