Distribution Connection Pricing Policy

TasNetworks is committed to improving the outcomes for customers requesting a new, or modified, connection to our electricity distribution network.

The costs associated with a new electricity connection can be a significant part of building a new home or establishing a new business. As part of our journey to a better tomorrow, we are changing the way we charge for connecting to our distribution network.

The Distribution Connection Pricing Policy is a document designed to comply with a number of regulatory obligations. This policy has been approved by the Australian Economic Regulator and comes into effect on 1 July 2017, and will apply for the regulatory period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019.

The new policy delivers improvements in connection services including:

• connection pricing that provides cost-reflective signals and greater predictability through the use of fixed rates and upfront estimations of costs, and

• flexibility in payment timing for connections with a longer lead time to source equipment

We will calculate charges for connecting, or modifying a connection, to our distribution network in a way that reflects the costs and benefits of that connection, and that is in line with a range of national regulatory requirements.

Taking into account this range of factors, our policy approach is summarised below:

• Basic connection charges remain broadly unchanged

• Customers requiring basic and standard customer projects will continue to be exempt from any requirement to contribute towards augmentation services

• TasNetworks will transition to more cost-reflective charging for standard customer projects that require transformers

• TasNetworks will apply standard calculations and fixed rates where possible

• TasNetworks will offer flexible pricing terms and introduce appropriate safeguards to ensure the connection charges are paid

• Developers will now be eligible to refunds, as part of the developer mains scheme

Under our policy, distribution connection charges for the majority of customers will generally remain the same or reduce.

Important Reminders:

• If a customer is changing their supply from 3 phase overhead service to single phase they are required to submit a BA1 Connection Application. The distribution fee is $700.57 for this service.

• A second point of supply is not allowed unless there is a set of very specific circumstances as per the S&I Rules.

• The addition of batteries to an existing solar installation is considered an upgrade, and requires assessment and approval from TasNetworks prior to the batteries being installed.

For more information, please contact Adrian Pickin, Pricing Specialist on 6271 6780, or Pauline Taylor, Customer Connection Services Team Leader on 6324 7514

Changes to tee-up charges for 2017-18

Please be aware that the standard tee-up fee is now $160.90 including GST.  This change comes into effect as of 1 July 2017.

For more information or details on after-hours fees, please refer to the Ancillary Services - Fee Based Services Application & Price Guide 2017-18

Metering Changes

The Power of Choice Program, is a national reform being driven by the Australian Energy Market Commission.  Currently, TasNetworks is responsible for the connection between a customer installation (a house, apartment or business) and the network, as well as installing a meter to monitor energy consumption. The Power of Choice reforms change this arrangement and will see the Energy Retailer become responsible for the installation of a meter via a Metering Co-ordinator and a Metering Provider. It is this change that is most significant for electricians.

As a National Energy Market participant, TasNetworks has an obligation to comply with the new rules, which will be implemented by 1 December 2017.

TasNetworks will be hosting trade nights around the State in September and we invite you to come along and hear more about these changes and how they might impact you. 

Agenda items include: Metering changes, New Connections and Alterations Process, New online EWR portal, and Service and Installation Rule changes.

4th September 2017
5:30pm for 6:00pm start
River Arms Hotel, Ulverstone

12th September 2017
5:30pm for 6:00pm start
University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston

13th September 2017
5:30pm for 6:00pm start
University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston

19th September, 2017
5:30pm for 6:00pm start
Blundstone Arena, Bellerive

20th September, 2017
5:30pm for 6:00pm start
Blundstone Arena, Bellerive

CPD points will be awarded for attendance.  Further information and trade night invitations will be sent in July 2017.  In the meantime if you want to RVSP now you can do so by emailing ECTradeNight@tasnetworks.com.au with your preferred date and location.