What does this mean for you and your clients from 1 December 2017?

For new connections and alterations:

• To ensure service arrangements can be determined, requests for new or altered supplies will still come to SA Power Networks.
• SA Power Networks will continue to ‘book’ work with you to facilitate the installation of the service and connection/energisation up to the meter isolator. However, prioritisation of required metering to complete the site energisation will no longer be part of SA Power Networks’ service.
• You will need to contact the Retailer for the provision of metering equipment and coordinate with the Retailer so the metering is installed on or after the SA Power Networks connection/energisation date/time.

For PV installations:

•  All PV meter installs on existing installations will be requested via the Retailer - SA Power Networks will not be involved.
• You will still need Small Embedded Generation (SEG) approval via SA Power Networks prior to requesting the Retailer to change the metering. A new streamlined web form will replace the old process.

For abolishments:

•  All abolishment requests must be made via the Retailer. SA Power Networks will not accept a request directly from the customer.

Forms/REX:

• Paper based Form A will be replaced with a new web form from 1 December. Paper Form A’s will no longer be accepted.
• REX will continue to provide you the ability to create, track and book work online.

Key messages

• Ensure new connection jobs to be completed between 1 December and 30 March are finalised with the retailer and scheduled with SA Power Networks prior to 30 November, otherwise it will fall in to the new process (no metering post 1 December, unless it’s a staged retailer).
• From 1 December, for new and altered installations, your application to SA Power Networks is for the Service Provision and/or SEG. You will need to apply to the customers chosen retailer for the meter. We will only connect to the meter isolator.
• Ensure you read all safety labels or tags left with the customer or in the meter box.
• For Solar PV, you will still need to apply for SEG approval with SA Power Networks and provide the approval number to the retailer to arrange the meter.
• SA Power Networks will continue to provide emergency call out services as it does today (i.e. no supply).
• If it is identified there is an issue with a meter, and we attend, our process will be to bypass the meter (if safe to do so) to ensure the customer has supply and notify the retailer. Check for safety tags or stickers.
• There will be new web forms from 1 December 2017 for:
  • new service provision
  • alteration of service provision
  • temp disconnection/reconnection of supply
  • quote for security lighting
  • quote for network extension or modification
  • low voltage line covers or tiger tails
  • SEG.
• Paper based forms (i.e. Form A) will no longer be accepted, all applications via www.sapowernetworks.com.au
• REX will remain and will be modified to accommodate new regulations.
• In readiness for the 1 December rule changes, we will cease accepting applications for new connections, alterations of service provision, including PV, at close of business 24 November.
• SA Power Networks will soon have detailed handbooks outlining all the rules and procedural changes – these will be available via our next Industry News and sent to all available emails registered in REX.
• We understand this is a complex process change. Please email any questions you have to meteringcontestability@sapowernetworks.com.au.

 We have modified our processes to meet the requirements of the new rules and to minimise delays or inconvenience as much as possible.