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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Standard connection service
Last Updated on 24 July 2026
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What is a standard connection service?
A standard connection applies where a new or modified electricity supply requires moderate network augmentation but can otherwise proceed under an AER-approved model standing offer. This pathway is more complex than a basic connection but maintains some standardised elements.
Standard connections are not bespoken but are more complex than a basic connection, they follow consistent commercial terms, cost allocation, and timeframes, offering certainty to customers while streamlining DNSP assessment and delivery.
A standard connection generally applies where supply exceeds the basic connection threshold (100 A per phase) but remains within the typical range of 100 A to 400 A three-phase. Connections above this range require a negotiated connection.
Standard connections often apply to:
- Small to medium-sized C&I customers, typically up to several hundred kVA
- Embedded generation (e.g. rooftop PV or BESS) that triggers local augmentation but not system-wide impacts
- Multi-occupant commercial sites or business parks requiring minor works to connect to the existing network.
How can standard connections affect CER projects?
While CER product developers do not generally get involved with standard connection service applications, this connection type has implications for power transfer limits at the network connection point that CER must work within and can help to manage.
For example, if a public EV charging facility is added to a premises, a standard connection service may involve the negotiation of power draw limits to ensure the secure operation of electricity network infrastructure. This may necessitate an EMS capable of load balancing between charge points, and/or a discharging a BESS to offset EV charging loads during peak times, considering all other load and generation sources behind the network connection point.
What requirements are set by DNSPs?
Each DNSP defines its own technical and augmentation thresholds for standard connection service offers. in some jurisdictions, connections up to ~1 MVA may be eligible, provided the augmentation scope is predictable, repeatable, and covered by AER-approved frameworks.