Connecting your distributed generation to our network
You can connect your own distribution (known as distributed generation) to our network for reliability or to feed excess supply back into the grid.
The types of distributed generation that can connect to our network includes:
- Solar power
- Wind
- Liquid fuel power generator
- Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
For a full guide to our distributed generation process, read our distributed generation policy.
Before you start
As part of a DG connection, you will need an ICP number. This is a unique 15-digit number that identifies every service line or cable connected to our electricity network.Getting an ICP is part of the connection process, find out more and get connected.
Start your application
If you do not have sufficient accurate information to prepare a DG application, you must seek advice from a qualified DG installer or electrician. This may include confirming your wiring configuration, ensuring inverter compatibility, or carrying out any necessary testing or assessments.
Connection steps
Step 1
Application form completed by installer
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.
Step 2
We 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.
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 standard
We’ll require a copy of the Certificate of Compliance 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 excl. GST
- 100kW or more - $1,200 excl. GST
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.
Single-phase export limit now up to 10kW
We’ve increased the export limit for single-phase connections from 5kW to 10kW, giving you the ability to export more solar generation back to the grid. This is applicable for approved inverters that meet our technical and safety requirements and is subject to available capacity for 10kW export.
To request a review on an approved application prior to November 2025, please contact us.
Reviews will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
We don’t expect any other transformers to be constrained in the next 12 months.
| Transformer name: | Location: |
|---|---|
| TC2-267 | 2193 SH2, Apata |
| X1212 | 107 Veale Rd, New Plymouth |
| TC5456 | 92 Comers Rd, Whitianga |
| TF2-004 | 1303 Omanawa Rd, Tauranga |
| TE3-145 | 55 Williams Rd Nth, Tauranga |
| X2486 | 327 Bushy Park Rd, Whanganui |
| T9/373 | Ngarata Rd, Alfredton |
| TE3-145 | Williams Rd, Pyes Pa |
| Y3199 | 116 Croydon Rd, Midhirst |
Need help with your solar application?
Get in touch with us.