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Powerlink has delivered more than 20 large and complex connections to support the renewable energy transition in the past six years.
We provide our customers with insights and solutions so they can efficiently and confidently progress their projects with certainty. At any stage in the connection process, we encourage our customers to contact our Business Development team to talk through their connection project needs.
We combine innovation with insight to deliver safe, cost effective and reliable solutions. Our expertise continues throughout all project phases to effectively manage and deliver design, construction, testing, commissioning and handover of high voltage transmission line, substation and telecommunications assets.
Connection process overview
During each phase of the connection process, we encourage collaboration between the customer, Powerlink Queensland and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Click the below headings for a brief explanation of the key inputs and outcomes from the early engagement, connection enquiry, connection application and offer to connect stages.
If a customer is seeking a connection via a transmission line that is greater than 30km in length, the National Electricity Rules (NER) Designated Network Asset (DNA) requirements also apply.
Find out more about the DNA requirements
Customer inputs
We encourage early engagement with our Business Development team during early stages of customer project development. At this stage of the process, Powerlink seeks high level information about the project size, type, location and timing in order to inform conversations about optimum network integration options.
RULES / LAWS / AGREEMENTS
National Electricity Rules 5.3.8
FEES
Please find relevant financial information on the network connections page.
Our Business Development team can offer other services prior to Connection enquiry that help inform renewable energy project goals in the early stages of development - please refer to our early engagement product and services brochure.
Customer inputs
Once a customer submits a connection enquiry with supporting data and the enquiry fee is paid - our team will be in touch to progress the connection enquiry.
Where an enquiry is submitted for connection to an established Designated Network Access (DNA) where Powerlink is the DNA Owner, a DNA Access Request should also be submitted. Visit out Designated Network Assets webpage for more information.
We particularly encourage early engagement with Powerlink’s Business Development team in this context as DNA connection and access arrangements are more complex than standard arrangements and can involve third party engagement and approvals.
Outcomes
Once we receive a connection enquiry, Powerlink will:
- advise scope concerns
- advise if it is not the appropriate Network Service Provider
- undertake a Preliminary Impact Assessment in accordance with the System Strength Impact Assessment Guidelines
- develop a project scope for the connection including the relevant functional specifications for plant and equipment
- determine indicative operations and maintenance costs.
We will send an enquiry response in accordance with the National Electricity Rules and progress to the connection application phase.
RULES / LAWS / AGREEMENTS
National Electricity Rules 5.3.2 and 5.3.8
FEES
Please find relevant financial information on the network connections page.
TIMEFRAME
The connection enquiry phase can take between 20-30 business days.
There are slightly different considerations during the connection application phase depending on if it is a generator or load connection. See below for more detail on each.
Where an application is submitted for connection to an established or new Powerlink Designated Network Access (DNA), a DNA Access Application also needs to be submitted. Visit out Designated Network Assets webpage for more information.
GENERATOR
CUSTOMER INPUTS
- Prepare and submit connection application including relevant performance standards
- Pay application fee
OUTCOMES
- Agreed performance standards in respect of the facility including Full Impact Assessment in accordance with the System Strength Impact Assessment Guidelines
- Offer to Connect
- Agreed Connection and Access Agreement
- Reviewed IUSA design, Works Coordination Deed and Network Operating Agreement
AUSTRALIAN ENERGY MARKET OPERATOR (AEMO) INPUTS
The connection application must satisfy the process and technical requirements of the National Electricity Rules including AEMO’s agreement (as applicable) with respect to 5.3.4A and 5.3.4B
RULES / LAWS / AGREEMENTS
National Electricity Rules 5.3.4 and 5.3.8
FEES
Please find relevant financial information on the network connections page.
TIMEFRAME
6 – 18 Months
LOAD
CUSTOMER INPUTS
- Prepare and submit connection application including load performance standards
- Pay application fee
OUTCOMES
- Agreed load performance standards in respect of the facility
- Offer to Connect
- Agreed Connection and Access Agreement
- Reviewed IUSA design, Works Coordination Deed and Network Operating Agreement for third party owner (if applicable)
AUSTRALIAN ENERGY MARKET OPERATOR (AEMO) INPUTS
- Review Market Registration Application
- AEMO and Powerlink consult on system strength
RULES / LAWS / AGREEMENTS
National Electricity Rules 5.3.4 and 5.3.8
FEES
Please find relevant financial information on the network connections page.
TIMEFRAME
6 – 18 Months
Once both the customer and Powerlink sign a Connection and Access Agreement the project moves into the next phases which include construction, commissioning and energisation.