SER planning process
Follow the six-step process to complete Ausgrid's NS174A SER.
Ausgrid is required by law to assess the environmental impacts of proposed infrastructure and ensure all necessary approvals, licences and permits are obtained. The steps below outline the process for preparing, assessing and verifying an NS174A Summary Environmental Report (SER) under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
Six steps to complete Ausgrid's NS174A SER
The biggest cause of project approval delays is failing to define the scope of works upfront. The scope determines what approvals are needed, how impacts are assessed, and which activities are approved by the SER. A poorly worded scope may restrict what activities can occur, while late changes may require re-notifying council and cause 21–40 day delays.
Attach design drawings and clearly confirm any works not included in the scope.
Information gathered at this stage helps determine the assessment and approval process, whether approvals or permits are required, and the extent and nature of impacts. This step is essential for preparing a thorough SER.
Further detail is provided in EGN 174B SER Guidance Notes, including links to websites and resources.
Note: 21/40 day notifications to council demonstrate all reasonable efforts were made to access information. Always use the standard template letters when notifying.
Help preparing your Summary Environmental Report (SER)
An SER is used to assess projects requiring an assessment under Ausgrid's NS174A Summary Environmental Report (SER), prepared under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act).
An SER may also be used to determine whether a more detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA), in the form of a review of environmental factors (REF), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Species Impact Statement (SIS), is needed.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides the framework for development and activity approvals in NSW. The approval pathway depends on what you are doing and where you are doing it.
Possible planning approval processes:
- Works previously approved – No assessment required.
- Works require a Part 4 DA – Contact Environmental Services.
- Works are Exempt – No assessment required.
- Works require a Part 5 assessment – Complete the SER.
- Works likely to have significant impact – EIS and Minister approval required.
Most new Ausgrid construction work requires a Part 5 assessment, usually an NS174A SER. Major projects may instead require a Review of Environmental Factors (REF). Routine repairs, maintenance and emergency works are generally exempt (minimal impact) and must follow Ausgrid’s NS174C Environmental Handbook.
Additional requirements may include:
- Commonwealth approvals – where matters of National Environmental Significance are affected.
- External approvals/licences – e.g. dredging waterways, disturbing Aboriginal relics, working in critical habitat.
- Notifications – to council, authorities or adjoining landowners.
A verified NS174A SER, along with approvals, licences and compliance with NS174C, are legally binding. Non-compliance can attract penalties up to $5M. Environmental Services must verify all Level 3 SERs and may prepare SERs for environmentally sensitive projects. They also advise on Part 4 DAs or Part 5.1 assessments for state significant developments.
Ausgrid is committed to involving the community in planning, designing and building new or replacement infrastructure. Consultation helps us understand community views and reduce future delays and costs.
- Electricity Supply Act 1995 – 40 days’ notice to council for all works (except routine repairs, maintenance or emergency works), with submissions considered.
- SEPP (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 – 21 days’ notice may be required to council, other authorities or residents depending on the works, with submissions considered.
Although not always mandatory, Ausgrid may also undertake additional consultation (e.g. information displays, newsletters, door knocking). The Consultation Protocol outlines requirements for major projects under the Planning Code.
Projects requiring an NS174A SER under Part 5 of the EP&A Act must demonstrate impacts are minor and predictable. Where this is the case, no further documentation is needed, and trained staff with good knowledge of the project and environment can complete the evaluation without specialist input.
Most assessments are in the form of an NS174A SER, while major projects may require a REF, referred to Environmental Services.
Verification ensures Ausgrid meets legal obligations under the EP&A Act.
To verify an NS174A SER, you must:
- be an Ausgrid employee,
- have completed SER Training with a score of at least 85%.
By verifying, you certify that:
- you have reviewed the SER,
- it was prepared by trained personnel,
- it is procedurally adequate in line with EF 17450 Verification Checklist, and
- you are not aware of any information that would change the assessor’s conclusion on likely impacts.