EXPLORE KNOWLEDGE BASE
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CERI Knowledge Base
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About the CERI knowledge base
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Introduction to Australia’s electricity markets
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Australian consumer insights
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CER technical and interoperability standards
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Connecting a customer to an electricity network
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Connecting a generator to a distribution network
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Utility interconnection (CSIP-AUS)
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Dynamic network export and generation control schemes
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Network load control schemes
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Network tariffs and network support services
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Participating in the National Electricity Market
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Participating in a frequency control market
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Participating in the RERT
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Participating in the Wholesale Electricity Market (Western Australia)
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Participating in the I-NTEM (NT)
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Cyber security and data privacy arrangements
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Consumer protection frameworks
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Connecting a Micro EG (<30 kW)
Last Updated on 24 July 2026
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What requirements and standards apply to Micro EG connections?
The NER sets national technical requirements for connecting micro EGs through the DER Technical Standards. These standards place obligations on DNSPs to enforce compliance with Australia’s grid code AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 for new and amended generator connections.
Under Clause 5A.B.2, any micro EG connected via a basic connection service must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020. This includes small-scale bidirectional systems such as BESS and V2G-capable EVSE, which are assessed as micro EGs and must comply with the same standards as solar PV systems. AC V2G systems must comply both in relation to the EVSE and the vehicle OBC.
DNSPs require that a micro EG inverters be:
- Certified to AS/NZS 4777.2 and listed on the CEC Approved Inverter List, and
- Installed in accordance with AS/NZ S4777.1 and AS/NZS 3000.
AS/NZS 4777 requirements are explored in the section CER Technical and Interoperability Standards.
The NER has recently begun using the term “micro DER” to reflect bidirectional operation. However, this term is not formally defined, and DNSPs largely continue to use micro EG, which limits these systems to 30 kVA. In this knowledge base, the term micro EG also applies to bidirectional units.
Generation export limits
Jurisdictional SIRs impose additional requirements on micro EG connections including site export limits, which are designed to manage local network constraints and maintain system security. Variability in network design, operational practices, and levels of CER uptake across jurisdictions directly influences a DNSPs ability to accommodate further micro EG exports. For example, networks with high solar PV penetration or limited hosting capacity often enforce stricter export limits or require a dynamic connection agreement incorporating a flexible export limit.
DNSPs are progressively mandating dynamic connection agreements and CSIP-AUS interoperability for all micro EG PV systems. This requirement serves two key purposes:
- Emergency backstop capability: Ensures DNSPs can remotely curtail exports during critical network events to maintain system stability.
- Enablement of flexible export limits: Provides an optional pathway for customers to access DOEs, allowing export limits to vary based on real-time network conditions rather than fixed static limits.
CSIP-AUS compliance requirements are formalised in TS 5573:2025, which specifies mandatory function sets, secure communications, and site-level monitoring obligations. This is further described in the section Utility Interconnection (CSIP-AUS). Relevant applications of the standard are described in the section Dynamic network export and generation control schemes.
For product developers, this means Micro EG systems must integrate AS/NZS 4777.2, as well as CSIP-AUS client functionality either directly in the inverter or via a gateway/cloud proxy, ensuring interoperability with DNSP utility servers.
The connection process for Micro EG systems is designed to be streamlined. Applications for connection are lodged through DNSP online portals, most often by the micro EG installer. The NER requires that DNSPs provide a basic connection offer for new or amended micro EG applications within 10 business days.
DNSPs may conditionally approve a micro EG connection based on an assessment of local hosting capacity, including voltage, thermal limits, and existing CER penetration. Where constraints are identified, approvals are typically granted with tighter static export limit or a requirement to enter into a dynamic connection agreement.