Network Connection Services

Network Connections

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.

Connection related fees

National Electricity Rules (NER) Chapter 5 Fees apply for Powerlink to prepare a response to a connection enquiry, initial response to an application to connect, and make an offer to connect, and other services.

Powerlink’s fees for these services, which are set out below in Table 2, are effective from 1 May 2025. Terms and Conditions are effective for any new connection enquiry or application to connect from 1 April 2025.

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

Table 1: Connection fees PRIOR TO 1 MAY 2025

Service	Fee (ex GST)	Activities
Connection enquiry (Non-Designated Network Asset)	$50,000	Includes preparation of scope of work, interface specification and indicative capital cost estimate
Connection enquiry (Designated Network Asset)	$120,000
Connection application (generation)	$370,000	Includes negotiation of commercial and legal terms to be reflected in the contracts, preparation of scope and estimate, negotiation and finalisation of Generator Performance Standards
Connection application (load)	$280,000	As above. The lower connection application fee recognises less analysis is required to negotiate and finalise performance standards for load connection.
Connection application (Integrated Resource Provider)	Price on application
Other Services¹	Price on application

^{1 Services include asset relocations and preliminary works related to environmental and development approvals}

DNA Related Fees - Terms and Conditions

Table 2: Connection fees effective from 1 May 2025¹

Service	Fee (ex GST)	Activities¹
Connection Enquiry (Non-Designated Network Asset)	$75,000	Includes development of deliverables as required by the National Electricity Rules (NER)
Connection Enquiry (Dedicated Connection Asset to Designated Network Asset)	$120,000
Connection Enquiry (Designated Network Asset)	$180,000
Application to Connect (generation)	$555,000	Includes negotiation of commercial and legal terms of Connection Agreement, preparation of scope and estimate, negotiation and finalisation of Generator Performance Standards
Application to Connect (load)	$420,000	As above. The load Application to Connect fee recognises less analysis is required to negotiate and finalise performance standards for load connections
Connection Application (Integrated Resource Provider)	Price on application
Other Services²	Price on application

^{1 Inclusions and Exclusions discussed further in the}^{Connection related fees - Terms and Conditions}^.

^{2 Other Services include asset relocations, commissioning and other services that may be offered to support connection that are not required under Chapter 5 of the Rules.}

DNA Related Fees - Terms and Conditions

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

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

DESIGN STANDARDS

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

Typical secondary systems

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

Typical DNA 275KV Secondary Systems Line Diagram.pdf162.53 KB

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

Typical 275kV Secondary Systems Line Diagram.pdf139.91 KB

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

Typical 132kV Secondary System Line Diagram.pdf155.31 KB

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

Typical 275kV Transformer Protection and Control System Block Diagram.pdf162.07 KB

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

Typical 275kV Feeder Protection and Control System Block Diagram.pdf146.23 KB

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

Typical ACDC Reticulation Block Diagram.pdf40.58 KB

Land Assets

Land Asset Methodology - Framework.pdf399.11 KB

Physical Access to Assets - Specification.pdf354.93 KB

Site Selection Easements and Sites - Guideline.pdf2.31 MB

Vegetation Management - Specification .pdf1.09 MB

Generic INTERFACE WORKS

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

Typical 275kV Feeder Protection and Control Block Diagram.pdf127.41 KB

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

Typical 132kV Feeder Protection and Control Block Diagram.pdf94.1 KB

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

Typical IUSA ACDC Reticulation Block Diagram.pdf136.29 KB

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

Typical Secondary Interface Diagrams.pdf81.56 KB

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

Typical Interface for Line Entry into IUSA.pdf85.74 KB

Generic SUBSTATION LAYOUTS

Network Configuration - Selection for New Substations - Framework.pdf412.77 KB

Typical OVERHEAD LINE STRUCTURES

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

Typical UNDERGROUND CABLE ARRANGEMENTS

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

Typical PRIMARY PLANT

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.

CONNECTION AGREEMENT templates

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

Template Connection and Access Agreement - 3rd Party Owner - Generator - Updated December 2021.pdf773.92 KB

Template Connection and Access Agreement - 3rd Party Owner - Load - Updated December 2021.pdf771.31 KB

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

Powerlink template - Generator Connection and Access Agreement - 14 March 2025.pdf1.33 MB

Powerlink template - Load Connection and Access Agreement -14 March 2025.pdf1.3 MB

Bi-directional Service Providers:

Powerlink template - Bi-directional Service Provider Connection and Access Agreement - 14 March 2025.pdf1.33 MB

NETWORK OPERATING AGREEMENT

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

Template Network Operating Agreement - Load and Generation - Updated December 2021.pdf742.15 KB

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

Designated Network Assets - Settlement Residue Allocation Methodology.pdf658.61 KB

WORKS Coordination AGREEMENT

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

Template Works Coordination Agreement - Generator and Load - Updated December 2021.pdf1.14 MB

RELOCATION DEED

Transmission Network Assets Works Agreement template.pdf795.2 KB

ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL APPROVALS

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.

Concept

(as needed)

Connection enquiry

(30-40 business days)

Includes provision of an enquiry response and discussion between parties.

If the project is connecting into an existing Designated Network Asset (DNA), a DNA Access Request will be required.

Application to connect

(12-18 months)

Dependent on the technical and commercial complexity of the project.

A DNA Services Application will need to be lodged and negotiated if the project is connecting to a new or existing DNA.

Connection acceptance

(1-2 months)

Easement access and approval

(if required)

Dependent on several factors, such as the number of impacted landholders and the time taken to obtain approvals.

Construction and commission

(18-36 months)

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:

Secondary Systems and Telecommunications Equipment Maintenance Schedule Guideline.pdf113.2 KB

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.

Certificate of Currency – WorkCover Queensland

Powerlink Queensland - Certificate of Currency (CoC) - Workcover Queensland - July 2024 .pdf37.67 KB

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

Certificate of Currency – Motor vehicle

Powerlink Queensland - Certificate of Currency (CoC) - Motor Vehicle - November 2024 .pdf107.29 KB

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.

Certificate of Currency – Combined general liability

Powerlink Queensland - Certificate of Currency (CoC) - Combined General Liability - November 2024 .pdf78.12 KB

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

Connection applications

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.

Connect to our Network

Powerlink has delivered more than 20 large and complex connections to support the renewable energy transition in the past six years.

Learn more

Designated Network Assets

The National Energy Rules (NER) amendment introduced in July 2021 was designed to promote more efficient investment in, and shared use of, transmission infrastructure. Find out more.

Learn more

New connection information request

Reach out to us via our online form if you are a renewable power generator or new load customer and would like to understand the process for connecting to our transmission network.

Learn more

Emergencies

1800 353 031

Report fallen powerlines or network damage 24 hours, 7 days a week

General Enquiries

1800 635 369

07 3860 2111

Monday to Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

Online

Send an online enquiry or general feedback.

Network Connections