Connection charges

What makes up the cost of getting connected?

There are two main types of costs:

1. Electrical work on your site

Most of the cost of getting connected comes from the electricians or service providers you choose to do the work on your property or nearby.

These costs are arranged and paid directly by you.

2. Ausgrid connection charges

Ausgrid may charge fees for assessing and managing your connection to make sure it’s:

• Safe
• Reliable
• Ready to supply electricity

These charges depend on the type and complexity of your connection. 

What our charges include

Not every connection incurs the same fees. Depending on your project, we may charge for:

• Assessing your connection application
• Visiting your site, if an inspection is needed
• Reviewing designs or connection plans
• Extra work needed to support larger or more complex connections
• Planning or investigation work if you need more detail upfront

If charges apply, they’ll be clearly outlined before work starts, usually as part of your connection offer. 

Ongoing costs after you’re connected

Once your property is connected, you don’t pay Ausgrid directly for day‑to‑day electricity use. Instead, you pay your electricity retailer. Your electricity bill includes:

• The energy you use
• A portion that covers the cost of maintaining the electricity network

Retailers include network costs in your bill in different ways. 

Why network charges exist

Network charges help cover maintaining cables, substations and poles, responding to faults and outages and supporting growing demand. These charges are reviewed each year and approved by the energy regulator. 

Need help understanding your costs?

Understanding costs early can help avoid delays later. If you’re not sure what charges apply to your situation:

• Start with Need help to plan
• Talk to your electrician or project consultant
• You can also contact Ausgrid before applying