Applications for modification to a connection point

Western Power has recently reviewed the processing of connection applications and found that customers don’t always inform their retailer of their application – in many cases the retailer must be made aware of the proposal.

Members will need to advise their clients of the following: 

Retailers must be made aware of changes to connection points

1. Modification of a connection point requires electricity retailer involvement
We’ve recently reviewed the processing of connection applications and found that customers don’t always inform their retailer of their application – in many cases the retailer must know.
To make sure retailers are aware of these proposed changes, all applications that change a connection point will require their approval before we can progress the application past the design stage.

2. Why retailers need to get involved with connection point changes
The retailer is responsible for each connection point where electricity is supplied to their customer using the Western Power Network, so they need to know what's going on.
To approve a customer's request to change the connection point, we need to be advised by the retailer what change it's permitting.

3. So, what’s classified as a change to the connection point?
Some common examples of actions resulting in a change to the connection point include:

• a meter is removed, or a new one is added.
• a current transformer is being added or removed
• the status of the revenue meter is changing for example will be converted to a sub- meter or an embedded network is being installed.
• the connection is changing from low to high voltage or vice versa.

If a customer doesn’t know if the connection point will change, Western Power can assess and advise as part of the application process.

4. Consequences of retailer not being notified
If the retailer doesn't get involved, we’re not able to process the customer's application beyond the design stage.
Western Power will place the application on hold for a set period and ask the customer to contact the retailer.

5. Reference numbers
We’ll provide each customer with a unique reference number related to their application. This number allows us to track the project and respond to any enquiries. 
The customer should keep this number – it's important and we'll always ask for it. It's also the reference number that will need to be provided to the retailer.
When the retailer provides their approval, they will quote this number so we can match it to the customer's application.

6. Change of customer's plans
Before construction commences, Western Power agrees the scope with the customer. We understand however that sometimes, plans change.
If the scope changes, we need to assess what these changes involve. If this work modifies the connection point, the retailer will need to get involved.

7. Communicating the change
We're trying to get the word out as early as possible, so everyone knows what's happening in advance.
We'll be talking to retailers, electrical contractors and anyone else involved.

Check out our website for updated information or contact your Western Power customer relations consultant.