Grid Connections & ASP3 Contestable Design
We are Accredited by The NSW Department of Industry and Resources, and Authorised by each of the three Distribution Network Service Provides (DNSP’s) - Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential Energy; Accreditation Number 2891. Our contestable team has detailed knowledge of the supply authority networks based on more than 50 years’ combined experience working in the electrical supply industry.
Our grid connection and contestable services include:
Design
- Asset relocations
- Overhead and underground connections
- LV & HV networks
- High Voltage customer connections (HVC)
- Street lighting
- Direct supplies
- Kiosk and pad mount substations
- Chamber and indoor substations
- New subdivisions
- Commercial & industrial developments
- Underground overhead powerlines
- Network augmentations up to 132kV
Consulting
- Supply authority liaison
- Site investigations
- Feasibility studies
- Property prepurchase due diligence
- Working near powerlines
- Clearance assessment
- Maximum demand calculations
- Connection applications
- Relocation applications
- Electrical due diligence studies
- BYDA map consolidation
- Advice on 3rd party asset relocations
- Power monitoring/logging
Construction
- Work as executed drawings
- Technical Support
- Project planning
- Construction management
- Tender evaluations
- Construction advice
Co-Generation and Renewable Energy System Integration
- Biogas
- Wind
- Solar
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Technical Review and/or Preliminary Enquiry submissions
We have a vast knowledge and experience in network planning and connection application assessment, allowing us to foresee likely issues, and better plan and negotiate with Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSP's) on the client’s behalf.
High Voltage Connections (HVC)
Power Control Engineers can support organisations with a HVC to the utility with the following services;
- Undertake a high voltage installation assessment to verify the site’s compliance against statutory requirements and installation condition.
- Develop a high voltage installation maintenance strategy including specific maintenance tasks to ensure ongoing safe operation of the high voltage installation.
- Produce a detailed high voltage operating procedure including high voltage safety rules which can be implemented on site.
- Provide guidance in understanding the role of the high voltage installation responsible person and develop required documentation.
- Facilitate the execution of the maintenance strategy including engaging subcontractors and specialists to perform maintenance tasks.
- Provide guidance for planned end of life replacement strategies.
PCE can also provide high voltage infrastructure owners with High Voltage Installation Safety Management Plans (HVISMP’s) which are required by utilities for compliance to the Service and Installation Rules of NSW. Similarly, PCE are able to produce HV submissions required by other utilities in other states and territories under similar legislation.
PCE’s professional ASP3 team are experienced in managing the complete project lifecycle. From the application for a new connection, to design certification with the relevant DNSP, you can rest assured that PCE’s team will support you through the entire design process and provide you with the most cost effective and efficient design solution.
View our Grid Connections & ASP3 Contestable Capability Statement
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a substation?
There is no absolute answer to this question. Whether a development requires a substation depends on several critical factors, including the type and size of the development, its maximum demand, the network area, the status of network reticulation, and current site constraints. PCE can assist clients by reviewing these factors and providing high-level advice and network connection suggestions most suitable for the development.
Do you do Renewable Energy Grid Connection works?
Yes we do.
PCE has extensive Grid connection design experience for Ausgrid, Essential Energy and Endeavour Energy franchise areas, with Grid Connection projects including Wind, Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Apart from Industrial Power supply design, do you do commercial and residential Power supply design?
Yes we do.
PCE is proud to be a reliable consultant supporting our industrial customers, we also have strong experience in the commercial and residential power supply area, including kiosk and chamber substations across NSW.
How long will it take for the design to be certified by the Utility?
In NSW, there are three different electrical utilities, each with its own design review and approval procedures. Typically, a simple contestable project can be approved within 12–16 weeks, whereas more complex projects may require 24–32 weeks to complete the approval process.
How much will it cost to construct a substation?
Substation construction costs vary between $35k and $1m, depending on the type of substation (pole substation, kiosk substation, or chamber substation). In many cases, substation construction may not represent the largest portion of the overall project cost. A typical substation project usually includes HV and LV cabling works, which may constitute a significant portion of the total construction cost.
Should I install a Kiosk substation or a Chamber substation?
Both Kiosk and Chamber substations have advantages and disadvantages:
- Kiosk substations: Require less space and are easier to construct but do not allow utilization of the space above the substation easement.
- Chamber substations: Require more space and are more expensive, but the upper floors above the chamber room can be used for commercial or residential purposes. However, the basement may have reduced headroom under the chamber substation.
PCE has extensive experience working with architects and building services engineers and can provide advice on substation type and arrangement to best meet the development’s needs.
