Powerlink is a leading provider of electricity transmission services.  We have a strong history of connecting customers and generators, and our expert teams have experience in solar, wind, thermal, gas and hydro electric, as well as large loads.

Our extensive experience has delivered more than 20 large and complex connection projects in the past 6 years, combining innovation and insight to deliver safe, cost effective and reliable solutions.

Building on the consultative partnerships we establish with our customers, we have published a suite of documents to provide transparency regarding the connections process. This information supports our commitment to helping connecting parties make informed decisions.

We have published the below information in accordance with Schedule 5.10 of the National Electricity Rules.

The following suite of documents provide information on our generic technical requirements, including our typical standards and layouts for equipment, the contracts that govern connections and our connection enquiry and application fees (and related terms and conditions).

 

Our connection enquiry and application fees and the terms and conditions under which they apply.

The process of connecting to the electricity transmission network is governed by Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules (NER). Fees apply for Powerlink to prepare a response to a connection enquiry, make an offer to connect, and other services.

Visit the Designated Network Asset webpage for further information on the DNA process.

Powerlink reserves the right to review and amend the fees at any time without notice.

 

 

How we design our network, the components that make up a connection and our preferred high level layouts.

 

These documents provide a high level overview of Powerlink’s design criteria, including structural and reliability requirements and environmental considerations.

 

Substations

 

HV equipment

 

Transmission lines

 

Secondary systems

 
Typical secondary systems

Information about protection and control functions that may be used for connection assets at a DNA 275kV switchyard/substation:


Information about protection and control functions that may be used for connection assets at a generic 275kV switchyard/substation:


Information about protection and control functions that may be used for connection assets at a generic 110/132kV switchyard/substation:


Information about transformer bay functional connections between primary and secondary systems assets in a generic switchyard/substation:


Information about feeder bay functional connections between primary and secondary systems assets in a generic switchyard/substation:

Information about AC and DC reticulation systems in a generic switchyard/substation:

 

Land Assets

This diagram shows the typical interface between Powerlink and the customer for protection and control of 275kV Transmission Line at an IUSA substation:


This diagram shows the typical interface between Powerlink and the customer for protection and control of 132kV Transmission Line at an IUSA substation:


This diagram shows the interface between Powerlink and Customer for AC and DC reticulation system for an IUSA substation:


These diagrams show typical interface requirements for protection signalling, SCADA and Telephone connections:


This diagram shows interface between the Powerlink Transmission Line and IUSA:

 

 

Please refer to Transmission Lines High Level Structural Design Criteria Guideline Appendix A.

 

Please refer to Transmission Lines High Level Electrical Design Criteria Guideline Section 3.

 

The typical primary plant is as described in the Equipment Strategies above.
 

 

Our standard deeds, agreements, and policies for connections and related matters.

For contestable connections, we use a suite of three standard form agreements to support the connection of third party identified user shared assets (IUSAs) and designated network assets (DNAs) to our network: a Works Coordination Deed, a Connection and Access Agreement and a Network Operating Agreement. For non-contestable connections (and connections where Powerlink will design, build and own all connection assets) a single Connection and Access Agreement will apply.

These standard form agreements are template contracts only and do not cover all possible connection scenarios. However, they reflect Powerlink's standard contractual position for the most common connection scenarios. Each of the standard form agreements will require further customisation for individual connections.

Powerlink reserves the right to amend, replace or update the standard form agreements from time to time in such manner as it sees fit.

Powerlink is developing a template Access Policy for new DNAs that it owns (or will own). This will be published on this website subsequent to obtaining approval of the template position from the Australian Energy Regulator.  

 

Where a third party designs, constructs and owns IUSA, DNA and Dedicated Connection Assets (DCAs):

 

Where Powerlink designs, constructs and owns IUSA, DNA and DCA:

 

Bi-directional Service Providers:

 

The Network Operating Agreement applies where a third party designs, constructs and owns the IUSA and/or DNA.

 

The Settlements Residue Allocation Methodology describes how residues that accrue on a DNA will be distributed.

 

The Works Coordination Agreement applies where a third party designs, constructs and owns the IUSA and/or DNA.

 

 

Environmental and development approvals are site and project specific and depend on the nature, scale, size and location of a project and are determined on a project by project basis. Site/project specific environmental and development approvals information will be provided as part of the connection enquiry/connection application process upon direct enquiry.  

 

Overview of the potential time it takes for a new connection from the initial connection enquiry to energisation of the connection assets.

Indicative timeline to connect

 

Routine operation and maintenance scheduling for key plant and equipment.

Routine operations and maintenance schedules for secondary systems can be found in the document below: 

For the substation and transmission line routine operations and maintenance schedules, please refer to the Substation Asset Methodologies Framework Table 3 and the Transmission Line Asset Methodologies Framework Appendix A.

 

A Certificate of Currency (produced by an independent party e.g. insurance broker) provides clear evidence that Powerlink (the insured) has a current insurance policy in place. If Powerlink is providing goods or services to a third party, insurance is generally a contractual term and condition that Powerlink needs to provide evidence of via a Certificate of Currency. A Certificate of Currency is generally valid for a 12 month period.

 

Insured by WorkCover Queensland and covers the full amount of the employer's liability under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.

 

Produced by Powerlink’s insurance broker, Marsh, the Certificate of Currency provides evidence of cover for loss or damage to Powerlink vehicles and also Legal Liability arising out of any accidents.

 

Produced by Powerlink’s insurance broker, Marsh, provides evidence of cover for a General Liability and/or Professional Indemnity claim or series of claims.

Made prior to 8 July 2021

In light of publication of the National Electricity Amendment (Connection to dedicated connection assets) Rule 2021 No. 7, which was released on 8 July 2021, we are contacting current connection applicants to advise on the position of their applications under the amended access rules. Should you have any queries in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact your Connection Manager at Powerlink. 

Made on or after 8 July 2021

If you are seeking to submit a new connection enquiry, please be aware that the prescribed time frames for connection enquiries have changed, as follows:

  • All connection enquiries submitted to us between 8 July and 14 October 2021 will be responded to within 40 business days of the end of that period.
  • All connection enquiries relating to connection assets that are 30km or longer in length (ie designated network assets) which are submitted after 14 October 2021 will be subject to the new standard response period of 40 business days.