Installing distributed generation systems, like solar or wind, in homes and businesses is becoming increasingly popular. We can work with you or your customers to assist with systems to export power back to the grid.

There’s a detailed process for connecting any distributed generation system to our network because we have to consider things like electrical safety and compliance, our network capacity to handle excess electricity coming into it, along with any adverse effects from a new connection that could interrupt the electricity supply.

We always engineer connection of large-scale generation (1MW or above) on a case-by-case basis.

Here are the charges associated with assessing the initial application of large-scale generation systems:

• 0kW to 10kW: $100
• 10kW to less than 100kW:  $500
• 100 kW to less than 1 MW:  $1,000
• 1 MW or over:  $5,000

Please note: all fees exclude GST

We’ll send an invoice with the relevant fee which needs to be paid in full before we process the application.

If your proposed generation is less than 10kW please complete our online alternative energy/solar/wind connection application form here.

If your proposed generation is 10kW or larger, please complete our large scale distributed generation initial form and attach a copy to your online alternative energy/solar/wind connection application form.

Here are the connection requirements for distributed generation:

Technical requirements for connection of small scale distributed generation (<10kW)

Technical requirements for connection of large scale distributed generation (>10kW)

You can also find a list of approved inverters approved for connection to the Northpower distribution network here.

Once a small-scale distributed generation application is approved, the system owner will need to arrange installation, inspection and livening. Your installer and retailer will need a copy of our approval form.

Once the system is connected:

• the installer/electrician needs to compete the CoC (certificate of certification)
• the inspector needs to complete the RoI (record of inspection) and both will need to complete the livening form
• the livening form and RoI must be returned to Northpower within five days of the system being connected to our network to comply with Part 6 of the electricity industry participation code

Unless a connection contract has been entered into, distributed generation is on the regulated terms in accordance with Schedule 6.2 of part 6 of the electricity industry participation code.

A copy of our congestion management policy can be found here.

This is currently being updated to reflect the management of large-scale distributed generation on the network.