Ausgrid launches a new online application process - replacing the old NECF application - and introduces a CRM tool to increase transparency of the contestable design and construction process. 

Detailed under https://www.ausgrid.com.au/Connections/Get-connected/Apply-for-a-connection from Ausgird, the customer can now choose different applications to accommodate the needs of the project.

As part of the contestable process, the customer will now be able to select from 5 unique applications:

1. Apply for new connection (over 100A);
2. Apply to modify an existing connection;
3. Apply for an asset relocation;
4. Apply for subdivision; and
5. Apply to change or add streetlights.

Application 1 is mainly to be used by a new customer to Ausgrid, requiring more than 100amps (e.g. warehouse, strata title development etc.). This application is to negotiate a requested demand from an existing or new network. Based on network availability, this could entail;

1. If your property has an existing Ausgrid network nearby and the service connection complies with NSW Service Installation Rules (typically no more than 50m), and the network DOES have enough capacity, Ausgrid will issue you a letter of Permission to Connect and you can then arrange an ASP2 to complete the work.
2. However, if the network DOES NOT have enough existing capacity, Ausgrid will issue you an assessment letter indicating you are required to engage an ASP3 to design for update / modification of the Ausgrid network (replace cable / conductor or a direct distributor).
3. If your property has no existing Ausgrid network nearby, within 50m, Ausgrid will issue you an assessment letter indicating you are required to engage an ASP3 to design for extension of the Ausgrid network.

Application 2 is to be used to expand the power demand. Similar to application 1, this could entail;

1. If Ausgrid network DOES have enough capacity, Ausgrid will issue you a letter of Permission to Connect and you can then arrange an ASP2 to complete the work by upgrading the meter (if required) and / or replacing the service protection device (SPD).
2. If Ausgrid network DOES NOT have enough capacity, Ausgrid will issue you an assessment letter indicating you are required to engage an ASP3 to design for update / modification of the Ausgrid network (replace cable / conductor or a direct distributor / upgrade transformer etc.).

Application 3 is to be used to remove / relocate an Ausgrid asset including poles, pillars, streetlights, cables, conductors, substations or other assets. It is very common to be used for road widening, house development and subdivision works. This application will automatically enter into the Ausgrid contestable process which requires an ASP3 to assist you to undertake the design.

Ausgrid has now released Application 4, for subdivision, if you are a developer of subdivisions, Application 4 shall be used. This application will automatically enter into the Ausgrid contestable process which requires an ASP3 to assist you to undertake the design.

Finally, Ausgrid has now released Application 5 to add or change a street lighting system owned and maintained by Ausgrid. This application will automatically enter into the Ausgrid contestable process which requires an ASP3 to assist you to undertake the design.

Other changes on application process.

It shall be noted that the application fee is now required to be paid when submitting the application. The application remains as invalid until the payment is received by Ausgrid. Accordingly, the application fee should be removed from contestable design charges.

Used to work in Sydney South?

If you used to work with Endeavour Energy (EE), you will find the new Ausgrid application process is now very similar to EE.

Who is the “customer” to Ausgrid?

Ausgrid only consider the Connection Applicant listed in the application as the customer. Accordingly, Ausgrid can only issue the design related fees to the Connection Applicant where the Connection Applicant can also be the master controller for the project under the new Customer Relationship Management system (introduced below). It is therefore encouraged that the actual customer becomes the Connection Applicant wherever possible.

What PCE can do for you at the application stage?

PCE can pre-fill the application(s) on your behalf and share the application for you to submit and pay the fees at no additional cost to you.

In some circumstances, PCE can also become the Connection Applicant on your behalf and will pay all Ausgrid invoices on your behalf or pass Ausgrid invoices to you to pay.

Customer Relationship Management  

On 1 July 2019, Ausgrid released a brand-new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool and any new customer initiated project, including contestable or non-contestable, will be managed from the CRM. The CRM is a great tool that allows the Connection Applicant (generally the project customer) to have full view and control of the design and construction process. Under this system, the Connection Applicant can view the following information:

• Project Summary: including project details and dates of milestones
• Assessment: details from Ausgrid
• Design: process including nomination of ASP3, design submission and certification
• Network Construction: process including nomination of ASP1, pre-construction meeting and reimbursement information, if applicable
• Outage: information indicating the outage time for the construction
• Private Installation: private installation related information
• Property: information relevant when easement / Right of Carriageway is required
• Warranty & Completion: ASP1’s completion date and their warranty to Ausgrid
• Project Team: list of customers, Ausgrid CPCs, ASP3s, ASP1s and Ausgrid compliance inspectors

When a valid  application is submitted to Ausgrid, Ausgrid will invite the Connection Applicant to register an account with the Ausgrid CRM system at https://services.ausgrid.com.au/projects/. Once you have completed the registration, you will be able to login to review your project.