Distributed
Generation

Photo taken by Lumiere 
of Pic's Peanut Butter Solar
electricity generation

Installing and Connecting Distributed Generation to Network Tasman's Electricity Network

Distributed Generation means using equipment for generating electricity at a home or business which is connected to an electricity distribution network (i.e. Network Tasman's electricity network) that is capable of injecting electricity back into that network. Examples of distributed generation include; solar (photovoltaic), wind, diesel generator, fossil fuel, hydro and battery.

Installing distributed generation can be complex and each situation is different. If you intend to purchase and install a distributed generation plant at your home or business, we recommend you involve us in the process as early as possible before you purchase the plant.

There are a number of regulations that apply to distributed generation. It is important that you are fully aware of what is required before you invest in any plant.
Photos of Chia Sisters; New Zealand's first solar-powered juicery
electricity generation

Conditions for Connection

Distributed generation must meet all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements and comply with all applicable safety standards. Network Tasman's policies and procedures for the application for, installation and connection of Distributed Generation are in accordance with the requirements of 
The Regulated Terms specified in Part 6 of the code will apply to the majority of distributed generation connections (once approved and completed). However, Network Tasman and the distributed generator may enter into a connection contract at any time and these contract terms shall take precedence. If contracted terms cannot be negotiated and agreed within 30 days following notice to Network Tasman of the intent to form a contract then the Regulated Terms shall apply. Any changes to contracted terms shall be by mutual agreement.

Network Development Levy - If the proposed generation is likely to lead to future network congestion, the generator may be required to pay a Network Development Levy to contribute to the cost of network reinforcements.

Conditions for Connection

The connection conditions and  distribution code detail the technical requirements and conditions that all generation plant connected to Network Tasman's distribution network must comply with.
Distributed generation

Congestion Management

With the continued growth in distributed generation, significant amounts of energy can be exported into the network particularly in the summer when people may be at work or away from home.

The growth in the amount of exported energy has the potential to create reverse power flows and congestion on our network. One possible consequence of this is higher than standard voltage, which can damage consumers' appliances and equipment. To limit the effect of this, all inverters are required to have an overvoltage shutdown facility and this is currently to be set at 248V.

In some instances, events on Transpower's national transmission grid may restrict distributed generation.
Distributed generation

Battery Energy Storage System Grid based charging

In order to avoid network congestion at peak load times due to battery charging and network congestion following outages due to battery charging, Network Tasman has developed a domestic battery storage system policy. All battery inverter systems and solar battery hybrid systems are required to comply with this policy as a condition of connection to the network.

Click on the button below to view the document:
Battery Policy Document
Distributed Generation

Export Congestion

At present, our network is accommodating distributed generation without congestion in most areas. There are some areas however that have reached their capacity for hosting solar generation.

No further distributed generation can be accommodated in these areas without export to grid restrictions or network upgrades. Installers considering adding solar generation in these areas should contact Network Tasman before making any offers to their customers.

We will notify you if we think your distributed generation is likely to cause congestion.
Locations of full capacity
Installations supplied from:
Substation W111. This includes sites 12, 12A, 12B and 12C Wakapuaka Road, and also 28A 28D, 28E and 28F Todd Bush Road.
Substation MR35. These sites are located in Redwoods Valley Road between and including numbers 320 to 337 and number 343
Substation EQ77. These sites are located in Kilkenny Place, Wakefield, between and including numbers 128 and 148
Substation SH26. These sites are located in Motueka River West Bank Road, Brooklyn between and including numbers 146A and 150
Substation GB878. These sites are located in Onekaka Iron Works Road between and including numbers 14 and 40
Circuit 10, Substation W123. These sites are located in Koura Road between and including numbers 1 and 18
Circuit 4A, Substation R162. These sites are located in Valhalla Drive, Richmond between and including numbers 19 and 45 and also including Valhalla Close
Circuit 3, Substation S148. These sites are located in Ngawhatu Road between and including numbers 36 to 66
Substation BLN60. These sites are located in Little Sydney, between 78 to 78C Little Sydney Road and including 94 Horizon Way
Substation BA1 southern LV circuit. These sites are located in Main Road Hope and include numbers 226 to 270 inclusive
Substation W120. These sites are located in Werneth Street/Werneth Ridge and include numbers 24 to 36 Werneth Street and 1 to 14 Werneth Ridge
Substation MUA14. These sites are located in Tahi Street, Mapua between and including numbers 31 and 56
Substation TAN51. These sites are located in Pomona Road, Ruby Bay and include numbers 206 to 310.
Substation UM29. These sites are located in Carlyon Road, Upper Moutere and include numbers 40 to 48.
Substation MUA72. These sites are located in Dawson Road, Mapua and include numbers 53 to 104.
Substation T96. These sites are located in Commodore Place, Dunair Way, Windsor Drive, Istana Place, Crown Terrace and Princes Drive from numbers 349 to 379 inclusive.
Circuit 23, Substation R230. These sites are located in Harriet Court, and include all odd-numbered properties from 3 to 17 inclusive.
Circuit 3, Substation T98. The affected sites are 1 Zeehaen Place and all of Heemskerch Place excluding numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.
Substation M218. These sites are in Stringer Road, Redwoods Valley and include numbers 230 to 259 inclusive.
Substation TAN100. These sites are in Harley Road, Tasman and include numbers 218 to 284 inclusive.
Substation W106. These sites are in Glen Road, Glenduan and include numbers 72, 74, 106A, 106B and 108.
Substation MC30. These sites are located in Petra Way, Upper Moutere and include numbers 17 to 82 inclusive.
Substation W111. This includes sites 12, 12A, 12B and 12C Wakapuaka Road, and also 28A 28D, 28E and 28F Todd Bush Road.
Substation M182. These sites are located in Hoddy Road and include numbers 59, 73, 76, 77, 78, 80 and 82.
Substation GB295. These sites are located in Puramahoi and include numbers 15, 16 and 22 Grant Road and 603 and 731 Takaka-Collingwood Highway.
Distributed generation

Apply to Connect to our Network

DG with a capacity of 10 kilowatts or less

The following information applies to customers to generate their own electricity on site via a small-scale generator (10 kilowatts or less) which is, or can be, connected to Network Tasman's electricity network.

DG with a capacity greater than 10 kilowatts

The following information applies to electricity generation with a large capacity (greater than 10 kilowatts) which is, or can be, connected to Network Tasman's electricity network.
network tasman

Have a Query about Distributed Generation?

If you are calling about an interruption to your power supply or a fault, please call
 the toll free number (0800 508 100) for our 24hr Fault Response Line
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