Electrical Partners Alert

The 12-month transition between AS/NZS 4777 Amd 1 and Amd 2 will conclude on 23 August 2025 where all inverters shall require compliance to Amd 2.

The DER Technical Standard, enforced under the National Electricity Rules requires compliance of grid-connected inverters with the current version of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex have already updated their joint standards to support the transition to AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024. You can access these standards through our network websites or through the below links:

• STNW1170 Standard for Small IES Connections (Version 10) (PDF 669.7 kb)
• STNW1174 Standard for LV EG Connections (Version 7) (PDF 2.0 mb)
• STNW3510 Dynamic Standard for Small IES Connections (Version 3) (PDF 654.5 kb)
• STNW3511 Dynamic Standard for LV EG Connections (Version 3) (PDF 2.1 mb)

On 23 August 2025, any inverter for which a declaration has not been provided and has not been verified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), will be removed from their list and not available for selection within our portals.

For more information, please visit the CEC website or refer to the inverter manufacturer to confirm certification testing and listing with the CEC as AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 compliant.

Coming soon: An AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2 fact sheet for will be published on our websites in the coming months.

Network Tariffs & Pricing

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets and approves Ergon Energy Network’s and Energex’s tariff structures every five years. As part of the process, we submit Tariff Structure Statements to the AER for assessment and approval. The AER has approved the Tariff Structure Statements that will apply for the five year period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030.

As a result of these updated requirements, from 1 July 2025 there will be changes to pricing and tariff codes, and updates to the Ergon Energy Network and Energex Electrical Partner portals. New tariff codes and drop-down menu options will be introduced in our portals to facilitate these changes.

Bulk Network Re-assignment Process

One of the activities to support the implementation of the 2025-30 Tariff Structure Statements requires Ergon Energy Network and Energex to initiate bulk network tariff reassignments for over 1,600,000 NMIs from 1 July 2025.

The reasons for the bulk reassignment are outlined in the Tariff Structure Statements and have been created to provide market participants with a comprehensive reference document to assist with understanding and planning for the activity.

There are three key reasons that will trigger a bulk reassignment activity, including:

1. Withdrawn Network Tariffs
2. Default Network Tariffs
3. Transmission Zone Amalgamation – Ergon Energy Network Only

Alternative Control Services (ACS)

From 1 July 2025, Ergon Energy Network and Energex will consolidate their charging for ACS services for the forthcoming 2025-30 regulatory control period.

The detail of these changes include:

• “Anytime” fees will no longer be charged across Ergon Energy Network (15) and Energex (13). These services will be charged using “After Hours” or “Business Hours” ACS variants.

• After-Hours permutations for some nominated services across Ergon Energy Network (15) and Energex (15), will no longer be charged. These services will be charged using Business Hours variants.

• For Ergon Energy Network, 141 charges for services based on a long rural feeder will be replaced with ACS charges related to the urban feeder service, and 2 charges for Temporary Connections will no longer be charged at all.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex are applying the same logic that occurs during each annual changeover period.

The Ergon Energy Network Tariff Guide (PDF 2.0 mb) and Energex Network Tariff Guide (PDF 1.6 mb) have been prepared to assist in the interpretation of our network tariffs for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Further information on changes to ACS Charges can be found in the Ergon Energy Network 2025-30 Tariff Structure Statements  (PDF 2.9 mb) and Energex 2025-30 Tariff Structure Statements (PDF 2.5 mb).

Annual Pricing

Each year, we submit a Pricing Proposal to the AER for approval. Learn more about 2025-26 network prices in the following documents:

Ergon Energy Network

• 2025-26 Pricing Proposal Statement of Compliance (PDF 849.5 kb)
• 2025-26 Pricing Proposal Overview (PDF 1.3 mb)
• 2025-26 Network Price List (XLSX 85.4 kb)

Energex

• 2025-26 Pricing Proposal Statement of Compliance (PDF 705.9 kb)
• 2025-26 Pricing Proposal Overview (PDF 1.3 mb)
• 2025-26 Network Price List (XLSX 62.0 kb)

For more information, please visit our Network tariffs & pricing web page.

Ergon Energy Network’s and Energex’s new Connection Policies for 2025–30 will come into effect on 1 July 2025. The policies set out the nature of our connection services and method for determining connection charges.

The current 2020-25 policies will be replaced on 1 July with the 2025-30 versions and can be accessed on the network websites or via the below links:

• Ergon Energy Network - Standards, manuals & fact sheets
• Energex - Connection information for installers

Please note that key terminology used in the connection policies has changed to ensure consistency with the National Electricity Rules and we are moving away from terms like embedded generation and embedded generator to distribution connected unit.

Negotiated connection offers and fees will be applicable for all connection services that do not qualify for a basic connection offer.

Basic connection offers will be applicable where supply is available, minimal, or no augmentation is required and where the proposed installation meets capacity and export specifications

The 2025-2026 Low Voltage (LV) Solar and Renewable Quoted fees for connection enquiries and applications will be in effect on 1 July. These fees are published on our Network websites, or via the below links:

• 2025-2026 LV Solar and Renewables Under 30 kVA Quoted Fees (PDF 142.6 kb)
• 2025-2026 LV Solar and Renewables Over 30 kVA Quoted Fees (PDF 170.8 kb)

To assist you and your prospective electric vehicle (EV) customers in understanding home charging options we have developed a new EV Home Charging Guide .

We recognise that one of the biggest considerations for EV ownership is selecting the right home charging solution; one that balances efficiency, cost, and compatibility with daily routines. Our easy-to-use tool considers factors like home energy setup, daily travel distances, and preferences around charging speed and convenience.

We encourage you to explore the EV Home Charging Guide and share it in conversations with customers who are considering purchasing an EV and seeking assistance with their home charging solutions.

With the release of the latest version of the Embedded Generating Connection Standards, we have also released updated report templates for generating systems over 30kVA. See the report templates on our How to connect Larger systems over 30kVA web page.

Please ensure you are using the latest templates; applications must align and comply with the new templates by 30 June 2025.

As part of ongoing efforts to streamline systems and improve our customer service, the IVR options to the Electrical Contractor’s Hotline have been updated to ensure your call is answered by a specialised team member:

• Press 8 to report a power supply issue (including relays and broken seals).

For EWR enquiries:

• Press 2 for Solar, Battery and Electric Vehicle enquiries
• Press 3 for New Connections including appointments for New Connections
• Press 4 for Existing Connections including appointments for Existing Connections
• Press 5 for Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) advice
• Press 6 for all other enquiries.

To contact our team on the Electrical Contractor’s Hotline, please call:

Ergon Energy Network 1800 237 466

Energex 1300 762 397

When submitting an EWR for a connection, always check that necessary supply is available before ticking ‘Yes’ to the below question.

If you are ever in doubt, you can submit a Supply Availability Enquiry to confirm supply. This can then be progressed to a Connection Application.

Confirming supply can avoid potential delays to your connection by ensuring appropriate infrastructure is already in place.

Clarification on the application of the MCC Standard:

Where relay-operated switchgear is installed in a three feeder mesh network for the benefit of a single Customer as part of a Connection Application, the Customer will be responsible for fully funding the installation of the relay operated switchgear.

Our Contractors web pages have useful links, information and documents for some of the most common questions on our Electrical Contractor’s Hotline.

What are approved Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Dynamic Connections?

Got a question about a QECM clause?  Get in touch with our team on the QECM query call back request form.

Under the Electricity Act 1996 (Q LD), when a person is connecting something, such as a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to the distribution network, they must comply with the technical conditions for the connection.

As the person connecting the customer’s solar PV generating system to the distribution network, solar installers must ensure that the conditions in the connection contract, including compliance with the technical standards, are complied with. This includes compliance with the Emergency Backstop mechanism for emergency control of the network. Failure to comply may result in a penalty and the customer's installation being disconnected.

Compliance with relevant conditions helps to ensure that the network continues to operate in a secure manner, keeping the lights on for everyone.

We are focusing on our compliance incentives including working with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), improved training and awareness, and initiating non-compliance processes.

Please note we are actively following up instances of non-compliance directly with customers and installers.

For further information, please refer to:

• QECM version 4 web page
• STNW1170 (PDF 669.7 kb) and STNW1174 (PDF 2.0 mb) for fixed connections
• STNW3510 (PDF 654.5 kb) and STNW3511 (PDF 2.1 mb) for dynamic connections
• Our Emergency Backstop mechanism web page

As previously communicated in our September 2022 alert, we have enhanced our inspection program to include point of attachment private property poles, the Point of Attachment (POA), mains box and (dependent on the location of installation) the meter box.

Many defects have since been identified. Customers are being issued with notices in the form of a letter with a set timeframe to rectify the defect. Timeframes are strict and based on identified risk to be rectified within 60 or 180 days.

If identified defects are not rectified by the customer within the requested timeframe, supply to the property will be disconnected on electrical safety grounds. Additional focus on switchboard safety will be applied in the coming weeks.

Please note the following information should you be completing work for your customers who have received a letter following an inspection or Electricity Defect Report:

• A Connection Agreement and/or EWR (Electrical Work Request) will be required in many instances including but not limited to:
  • Meters require relocation to a new meter panel
  • POA requires relocation to another point on an installation
  • POA relocated to a new property pole
  • If network fuses require relocation to the distributor pole.
• For work where Ergon Energy Network or Energex are not required to attend site the customer can supply an invoice and a Certificate of Testing and Compliance within the stated timeframe to close out the defect.
• IMPORTANT: Electrical contractors must not move entity owned equipment, including service lines and meters. This is only to be done by Ergon Energy Network or Energex staff as per QECM 5.4.1 & 1.5.2.6
• The Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2020 – Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines sets out requirements for those working near electricity lines. It mandates ‘exclusion zones’ or areas close to lines where people or plant (machines) are not allowed to enter. These zones vary depending on whether you’re classified as an ‘Authorised Person’, an ‘Instructed Person’ or an ‘Untrained Person’.

For further information on your obligations when working near electricity lines, and on how to apply to become an Authorised Person, please refer to our network websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex

For further information on the inspection of privately owned electricity lines and switchboard defects, please contact our Customer Asset Team on 1300 743 268 or via email:

Ergon Energy Network CustomerAssets@ergon.com.au

Energex CustomerAssets@energex.com.au

With the release of the latest version of the Embedded Generating Connection Standards, we have also released the updated Compliance Report templates for generating systems over 30kVA.

The Compliance Report templates now require additional information demonstrating emergency backstop compliance including requiring photos of the installation. Please ensure you have reviewed the requirements of the updated form before heading to site.

The updated Compliance Report templates can be accessed via our network websites:

• Ergon Energy Network
• Energex