About your small embedded generation (SEG) approval

The full terms and conditions and technical requirements that apply to the initial and ongoing connection of your embedded generating unit to our distribution network are available via the following links:

• Model Standing Offer – Terms and Conditions for Basic Connection Services for Retail Customer who are Small Generators
• Model Terms and Conditions for Deemed Standard Connection Contracts
• SA Power Networks Technical Standard TS129

By proceeding with the installation, you will be deemed to have agreed to SA Power Networks’ terms and conditions listed above.

If you would like us to post you a hard copy of these documents, contact us on 1300 665 913.

It is essential that you review the approval details sent to you by email at the time of approval. If anything is missing, incorrect or changes need to be made, please contact us immediately to ensure the SEG approval is valid.

The installation of any equipment other than what is listed in the approval will automatically invalidate the approval. If your proposed system changes, you, or your installer will need to reapply for approval prior to connecting your system.

It is also important to check your NMI (listed on your electricity bill) is correct, as your approval is specific to your NMI.

SA Power Networks does not guarantee to have performed any validation or verification of the information that has been provided. Any information found to be incorrect in any way in the future may invalidate the approval.

This approval remains valid for a period of 6 months after which it will expire unless:

• the installation has been completed and
• the installation has been closed out by the accredited installer using SA Power Networks SmartInstall app.

While the approval is confirmation that the proposed system meets the Technical Standards at the time of approval, the system must also meet these Technical Standards at the time of installation. The Technical Standards are subject to change and should be considered as any changes may affect the validity of this approval.

If any equipment is added or changed in the future, eg additional solar panels or a battery, a new application will be required. Generally, your installer will handle this process on your behalf.
In addition to the terms and conditions above, you and your installer must comply with the SA Power Networks Technical Standard TS129 and ’Service and Installation Rules’.

For a SEG installation to be suitable for connection to our network, your SEG must remain, at all times, within the limits prescribed in the Technical Standard TS129. If you have any questions on how to meet these standards, contact your installer directly. Alternatively, your installer can contact us on your behalf.

This approval gives you permission to connect your small embedded generator to the Network. It does not guarantee that you will be able to export energy into our network. 

The connection of your system is also subject to fluctuations and interruptions from time to time which may affect your ability to export energy into our network.  

For more information about obligations relating to the export of electricity into our network see the Model Standing Offer – Terms and Conditions for Basic Connection Services for Retail Customer who are Small Generators.

To ensure SA Power Networks can meet its obligations in managing voltage levels and quality of supply for all customers supplied by our network, there are limits on how much electricity can be exported to the network.

Your export limit applies to the entire site and is based on a number of factors, including number of phases, the size of the system, the type of devices and their capabilities. The Technical Standard TS129 outlines export limits based on different configurations, and the approval details above specifies the export limit applicable to your site.

Your installer is responsible for ensuring the system is installed in a way that these requirements are met. After installation it is your responsibility as the customer/operator of the system to ensure the limit is maintained.

The way in which your inverter is configured is important to protect your installation and our network from faults and disturbances. For example, during periods when there is lower demand on the network for electricity, and SEG installations in your area are exporting significant electricity, network supply voltages may increase. Your inverter may reduce its output or even switch off in this situation, as it is designed to do. During these periods and until network voltages reduce, your SEG installation will have paused or reduced the production and export of electricity to the distribution network. This will then be reflected in any financial benefits from your SEG during this time.

It is important to note we are unable to guarantee that you will be able to export electricity into our distribution network at any time. More information about this can be found in the Model Standing Offer.

Should SA Power Networks find your SEG installation is interfering with the electricity supply to others in your area, you may be required to take action to remedy this situation, including turning off or modifying your SEG installation in accordance with legal requirements and our terms and conditions.

It is a legal requirement that new solar systems connected to the SA distribution network must be capable of being remotely disconnected, and later reconnected, by a Relevant Agent. As the owner or operator of such equipment, you must authorise a Relevant Agent to perform this function on your behalf. This process is typically arranged by your solar retailer and/or installer and is specified on your approval letter.

If you cease to be the owner/operator of the solar generation plant, you need to advise your authorised Relevant Agent as soon as practicable and no later than seven (7) days after you cease to be the owner/operator of the solar generation plant. The contact details of your Relevant Agent can be found on The Office of the Technical Regulator’s website.

It is a legal requirement that all SEG installations connected to SA Power Networks’ distribution network must be connected to metering that measures both import and export energy flows.

If you are planning to proceed with your SEG installation, we recommend that you ensure the correct metering is installed as soon as possible. To do this, contact your electricity retailer to start the process. SEG installations should not be turned on until a meter that can read the export is installed.