Connecting Distributed Generation Equipment Above 10 kW

Most commercial or industrial installations will fall into this category.

Network Standards

The first step is to ensure your equipment and its installation complies with our Network Connection Standard and our Standards for Connection to a DG of 10kW or Above. This standard applies to generating units having an output capacity of over 10kW, which are connected, or intended to be connected, to Unison’s network.

Technical Requirements

If you are planning to connect distributed generation greater than 10 kW and up to 500 kW to our distribution network, you must meet the technical requirements set out in the following Unison standard Technical Requirements for Connecting DG under 500kW before connection can proceed. This applies to all embedded generation exporting electricity to Unison’s network and should be used as a guide when preparing and submitting your generation connection application.

If your distributed generation is greater than 500 kW then you must meet the technical requirements set out in the following Unison standard Technical Requirements for Connecting DG above 500kW before connection can proceed.

Generally, the company providing the equipment will oversee this process, but check with them to be sure.

To connect Distributed Generation greater than 10 kW to our network, the Electricity Industry Participation Code requires that the process is undertaken in two stages. You will need to complete an application for each stage prior to installation and connection of your distributed generation - In the first stage you will need to complete the DG2 Initial Application form to enable Unison to scope your requirements and identify any works required to facilitate connection to the Network. In the second stage you will need to complete DG3 Final Application form including providing the technical information required to enable Unison to consider, evaluate the cost of providing the connection and to approve the connection of your Distributed Generation to the Network.

Network Capacity Considerations

Every application is assessed against the available network capacity in the area at the time of review. If there isn’t enough capacity to support the export level requested, Unison will advise on any network upgrades that may be required and provide an estimate of the associated costs. These upgrades would typically be an additional investment for the applicant to enable their connection.

Information for Electricians

Further information about distributed generation connection and the Electricity Participation Code Part 6 are on Electricity Authority’s website www.ea.govt.nz.

Initial Application for Connection of Distributed Generation 10 kW or more

The Application process requires input from a number of different parties, including:

• You, as the customer.
• Your chosen electricity retailer, who you will hold the electricity purchase/sale agreement with, and will provide a two-way meter to enable this process.
• Your chosen electrician, who will help you complete the application form. It pays to obtain a quote and check the cost includes the Livening Agent and Electrical Inspector.
• The provider of your DG equipment, who will supply technical information and support.
• An Electrical Inspector (arranged by your electricity retailer).
• Unison, as the network owner.

Once you have provided the completed DG2 form to us, our Customer Care Team will then contact you to discuss your application and to provide you within 30 business days with the relevant information required to progress the connection, such as network and design requirements, constraints, operational procedures, and any other information required to progress the application.

At this stage, if you wish to proceed with the Distributed Generation connection, we require you to submit a completed DG3 final application form within twelve months of receiving the information we provide you with.

Final Application for Connection of Distributed Generation 10 kW or more

We will then advise you, in writing, if your application has been approved and any conditions of connection no later than the timeframes required in Part 6 of the Code as follows;

1. 45 business days after the date of receipt of the final application, in the case of distributed generation that will have a nameplate capacity of less than 1 MW
2. 60 business days after the date of receipt of the final application, in the case of distributed generation that will have a nameplate capacity of 1 MW or more but less than 5 MW; or
3. 80 business days after the date of receipt of the final application, distributed generation that will have a nameplate capacity of at least 5 MW.

Unison may require the Distributed Generator to enter into a Generation Connection Agreement in respect of the connection addressing conditions of connection and any charges that may apply.Under Part 6 of the Code the parties have 30 business days to enter into such an agreement, if an agreement is not able to be reached the regulated terms in Schedule 6.2 of Part 6 of the code will apply.

What will it Cost?

Unison will charge you an application and administration fee to process your application. We may also charge you if we need to inspect your proposed installation as part of the application process.

The following fees applicable for distributed generation above 10 kW from November 1 2024