Connections Guarantee

The Crisafulli Government has introduced a new Connections Guarantee for Powerlink and Energy Queensland as a key deliverable under the Energy Roadmap.

For Powerlink, the Connections Guarantee focuses on connection applications for large-scale generation, storage and loads connected to the transmission network. Powerlink will report annually against clear performance targets.

As Queensland’s energy system evolves, new generation and storage projects will need to connect to the grid to support an affordable, sustainable and reliable supply of electricity. Powerlink’s network plays a central role in enabling these connections.

Powerlink has a strong history of network connections, providing electricity to more than five million Queenslanders and large energy users.

As the Transmission Network Service Provider for Queensland, Powerlink complies with the connection process as outlined by the National Electricity Rules.

The network connection process generally involves three stages:

• Connection enquiry – A proponent contacts Powerlink to discuss the project scope and technical requirements. Powerlink reviews the proposal and any potential impacts for the grid. This helps the proponent determine if the project is ready for the next stage of the connection process.
• Connection application – The proponent submits detailed technical information, including proposed generator performance standards and modelling. Powerlink then undertakes a detailed review to ensure compliance with technical requirements and system safety.
• Offer to connect – If the connection proceeds, Powerlink and the proponent enter a Connection and Access Agreement. The project moves into delivery, which includes construction, commissioning and energisation.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with proponents to minimise the cost and time involved in the network connection process.

Connection Guarantee performance targets

As part of the Connections Guarantee, Powerlink will report against the following targets:

Response to connection enquiry

Powerlink will aim to process 100% of connection enquiry responses within the timeframes set by the National Electricity Rules.

Response to performance standard package

Powerlink will aim to assess and respond to 75% of performance standard package submissions within 30 business days.

Negotiation of access standards

Powerlink will aim to assess proposed negotiated access standards for a connection within 30 business days of receiving all required information, in line with the National Electricity Rules.

Negotiated access standards set out how a connecting generator or large energy user will perform when it is connected to the transmission network. In simple terms, they describe how the equipment should behave during normal operation and when the power system is under stress, such as changes in voltage or frequency. They are negotiated by the proponent and Powerlink within bounds set by the National Electricity Rules, so the project can connect in a way that supports safe, secure and reliable operation of the grid. 

Connection delivery

Powerlink will report on the percentage of connections delivered on-time under executed connection agreements, with a target of 90%.

Factors affecting Connection Guarantee timeframes

Powerlink is committed to improving connection timeframes. However, some factors that affect timing may be outside its reasonable control, including:

• changes to the scope or timing of customer submissions
• third-party approvals
• system security or network constraints that require further technical assessment

To support fair and transparent reporting, the KPI framework allows timeframes to be reset where information is reissued, with checks in place to ensure this is applied appropriately.

Powerlink will report annually on its performance against these targets using consistent definitions and auditable data. Annual reporting will also include overall results, volumes and trends.