Small IES connections

Small Inverter Energy System (IES) connections include:

• Inverter based connections up to and including 30 kVA
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER) technologies such as solar PV, batteries and electric vehicles with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-building (V2B) capability.

Application for network connection of a small IES

Connection Standard

For information on the technical design and connection requirements for Small Inverter Energy System (IES), please refer to our STNW1170 Standard for Small IES Connections (PDF 862.0 kb). This standard is updated regularly and we encourage those involved in the connection of small IES to review the standard to understand the latest obligations and opportunities.

Customers wanting a negotiated contract for sizes up to 30 kVA should design their connections for the technical requirements in STNW1174 Standard for LV EG Connections (PDF 1.2 mb) or STNW1175 Standard for HV EG Connections (PDF 1.1 mb).

Dynamic connections

We also recently released STNW3510 Dynamic Standard for Small IES Connections (PDF 836.1 kb). Dynamic connections will be a new connection option soon in Queensland.

Emergency backstop mechanism

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has identified risks to the stability of the electricity grid in Australia on rare occasions when the grid is under stress from a number of factors, including high rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. Read more in the AEMO factsheet Operating the grid with high roof-top solar generation.

In September 2022, we carried out an industry consultation on a proposed emergency backstop mechanism that will require selected Inverter Energy Systems (IES) in Queensland, such as rooftop solar PV systems, to have a Generation Signalling Device (GSD) installed. This device will allow us to respond to minimum demand events on our network at the direction of the AEMO.

Following a review of the consultation feedback, it has been determined that the emergency backstop mechanism will apply from 6 February 2023. For more information visit our Emergency backstop mechanism web page.

Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) Supplement

Installation instructions and wiring diagrams for connections requiring inverters to be configured for the mechanism can be found in our Emergency Backstop Mechanism Installation Requirements - QECM Supplement (PDF 1023.6 kb).

Our Emergency Backstop Mechanism Factsheet (PDF 618.0 kb) provides general information on the background and operation of the initiative, and how it may impact customers installing new or replacement IES. Solar PV installers and retailers may wish to provide a copy of  the fact sheet to your customers.

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