Large-scale connections
If you're connecting large-scale load, whether as greenfield development or if you're expanding existing operations, our dedicated Energy Solutions team will work with you to find the electricity supply solution that best meets your needs.
Each network development project is different based on the scale, location and complexity of the electricity supply requirements. We'll work with you to understand your requirements, and then design, price and build the network supply that's right for you. We may also recommend alternative solutions such as demand management or non-network solutions if we believe they are a good option for you.
Make sure you get in touch with us early in your planning process. To help you with a preliminary assessment for new or increased load, please view our demand capacity map and see the available network capacity to our high-voltage network. It's important to note that the map is an estimate only and will give a general indication about what capacity might be available.
(Please note: this map provides approximate demand capacity only)
Our network development and your service connection
Network development involves either building new lines or cables to reach your site and/or increasing capacity on our network if your load will exceed what's currently available. Depending on how much more capacity is needed, that can involve new transformer or substation equipment, or working with Transpower to provide more power from the national grid.
While network development is carried out you'll need to arrange any electrical works within your site, retail metering to measure your electricity consumption, and your service connection which will connect your site to our network.
Connecting solar
If you're connecting solar panels as all or part of your electricity solution, you'll also engage in our distributed generation connection process.
Read about connecting solar
Timeframes for enabling your connection
Designing and building large-scale load takes time, particularly if significant development is required on our network, or the national grid to supply you. There are also long-lead times for some types of equipment.
We recommend contacting us as early in your planning process as possible.
Here's what you can expect:
Connection enquiries dashboard
For transparency on project connections, please view our connection enquiries dashboard here for insights on our enquiry volumes.
Connection steps
-
Step 1
Your initial enquiry
Your first step will be to fill in our Capacity Availability Enquiry Form and we'll do an an initial assessment of whether there's existing capacity to support your site, or if network development will be required.
- If network development is not required you'll proceed with our standard connection process, and work with a Powerco-approved contractor to design and build the connection between your site and our network.
- If network development is required, you'll proceed with our major customer works process.
-
Step 2
Exploring your electricity supply options
Once we've confirmed network development is required to connect you, we'll go through a process of exploring your electricity supply options and designing the solution.
High level review
We'll ask you to fill in our Significant Customer Information Form and we'll complete a preliminary assessment of network development solutions to connect your site.
Feasibility assessment
A feasibility assessment may be required for all or part of your project if the outcome of the high-level review has identified several network configuration options. The assessment will review each option and make final recommendations. You'll be responsible for the costs of conducting a feasibility assessment, and you'll sign an Advance Works Agreement with us before it is carried out. Security of supply risks and trade-off options will also be identified as part of your feasibility assessment.
Read more about risks and trade-offs
Concept design
The network development is now designed to meet your requirements. We may attribute some of the capital investment costs to you.
Detailed design
You may opt to have a detailed design carried out following the concept design. The detailed design will give you more assurance around the costs and risks of the project.
-
Step 3
Confirming the solution and costs
Once the design is finalised you'll sign a Works Agreement with us before we start delivery. The Works Agreement gives us the go ahead to proceed with your project/s. -
Step 4
Building your electricity supply
The project is now handed over to the project team for delivery. We'll price and award the construction to a contractor and will work with them to complete all necessary work. Depending on size and complexity, the work may be phased as a series of smaller projects. The new assets are tested and livened, then handed over to our teams for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
You'll now have electricity supply to your site.
Your service connection
While the network development is carried out, you'll need to arrange your service connection which will connect your site to our network.
You'll need to engage a Powerco-approved contractor to price, design and carry this work out for you and you'll be responsible for all costs.
You'll also need to work with a retailer to have meters installed to track and pay for your electricity consumption.
Capacity availability enquiry form
Demand capacity on our high voltage network
To help you with a preliminary assessment, view our demand capacity map to see the available network capacity on our high-voltage network.
Check map