Connections principles
We want connecting to electricity to be fair, transparent and predictable for everyone. These principles explain how we manage connections to the electricity network and what you can expect when you apply.
What you can expect from Ausgrid
A fair, consistent connection process
Clear information about your place in the queue
Safety-first decisions
Transparent rules that apply to all customers
Fair access to the network
We treat all connection requests the same — whether they come from customers, businesses, or Ausgrid‑owned projects.
This means:
- Everyone follows the same process
- Requests are handled consistently
- Decisions are made based on clear rules
How network capacity is allocated
In most cases, available network capacity is allocated in the order applications are received.
This helps ensure no one gets an unfair advantage, customers know where they stand and decisions are transparent and easy to explain.
Some customers may choose to secure capacity earlier by committing to agreed project milestones. If those milestones aren’t met, the application continues through the standard process.
Keeping costs reasonable
Where possible, we aim to:
- Use existing network capacity first
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades
- Keep connection costs as low as possible
Only when upgrades are needed to safely support a connection will additional work be required.
Safety always comes first
Every connection must meet:
- Safety requirements
- Network standards
- Legal obligations
This protects customers, the community and the electricity network.
Clear and consistent decision‑making
We prioritise applications that include complete and accurate information.
This helps us progress requests efficiently and avoid delays caused by missing details.
Each application is assessed based on:
- Available network capacity
- Local conditions
- The details of the proposed connection
Options for larger or more complex projects
Some customers may wish to secure a contractual commitment earlier in the process. These options are available, but they come with:
- Clear conditions
- Agreed timeframes
- Requirements to progress the project
If these conditions aren’t met, the project may return to the standard connection process.
Why milestones matter
Connection approvals include timeframes to help make sure projects progress as planned.
If work doesn’t move forward within agreed timeframes, connection approvals may change so that available capacity can be used by others.
This helps keep the network working efficiently for everyone.