Fee removed for 3 phase >10 to 30kW applications
More good news - we've removed the $500 application fee for 3 phase >10kW to 30kW applications and will instantly check the local grid capacity and automatically approve these as per the <=10kW applications.
Please note - application fees remain for single phase >10kW to 30kW applications due to the larger network impact of single phase connections, and for all applications over 30kW.
About Solar/Distributed Generation
Solar panels are one of the most popular ways to generate your own electricity, but they’re not the only option. Other alternative energy sources include battery storage, vehicle to grid (V2G), wind, gas, diesel, and biomass (organic material like vegetation).
Collectively these are known as Distributed Generation (DG) - energy sources that aren’t traditional power stations but can still feed electricity back into WEL’s network.
New application process and portal
DG application volumes will continue to accelerate so we're future ready now through the launch of our new DG application process and portal.
It's the first of its kind in Aotearoa with real-time network capacity calculations and automated approvals for applications 10kW or less if there’s enough capacity on our network. This has allowed us to remove the application fee for these small-scale applications.
Getting a Distributed Generation connection
We offer the following types of DG connection to the WEL network:
- Single Phase 10kW or less & Three Phase 30kW or less – usually these connection types apply to residential properties, small commercial or small rural properties and there isn't an application fee.
- Greater than 10kW Single Phase or 30kW Three Phase - usually this connection type applies to large commercial and industrial properties, along with utility installations and there is an application fee (refer to the FAQs below).
Read our Network Connection Standard and then apply below. If you've submitted applications before, you'll see there's now only one form that handles both small and large capacity applications.
Distributed Generation Export Check
The DG export capacity is an estimate of our network’s capacity to accept additional distributed generation at an individual ICP at a point in time. This capacity information is provided at a point in time, as new connections for load and generation are made to our network on a daily basis that may impact these results.
Please enter your ICP number (found on your power bill, on your meter or on the EA Website) and select the number of phases of your connection (if you’re unsure, please check with your electrician. Most urban properties are single phase, and commercial/rural properties are three phase). This form will return an estimate between 0 and 10kW for single phase connections, and 0 and 30kW for three phase connections. To find capacity for larger connections, you’ll need to apply for a DG connection using the forms on this page.
To connect generation equipment to WEL’s network, you’ll need to apply for a DG connection using the form on this page, or within the installer portal. The export capacity of any ICP will be confirmed by this process. WEL accepts no liability for any cost or loss arising out of the use of this data. Any reliance is at your own risk.
Application Form
If you'd like help completing your application, email Generation@wel.co.nz
If you’re a DG installer, please use the Installer Portal (above-right) to submit your application, and email Generation@wel.co.nz if you need help with portal access.
FAQs
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The following application fees apply (excluding GST):
- 10kW or less - No application fee
- Greater than 10kW to 30kW - No application fee for 3 phase - $500 application fee for single phase
- Greater than 30kW to 200kW - $770
- Greater than 200kW to 1MW - $1540
- Greater than 1MW - $7690
These fees align with (and in some instances, better) the Electricity Authority’s amended fee schedule 6.5 within Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.
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Ensure your equipment and its installation complies with WEL's Connection Standard. Generally, the company providing or installing the equipment will oversee this process.
Section 2.6 of WEL's Network Connection Standard outlines our connection standard for Distributed Generation.
Inverters and batteries used to connect energy systems to WEL's network need to comply with AS/NZS4777.2:2020 and AS/NZS4777.1:2024.
If your inverter or battery is not on these lists please email us - Generation@wel.co.nz
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If you're using compliant equipment and our network has capacity, you should receive approval within 10 minutes of submitting your application.
If your application requires manual review this usually takes up to 10 working days and we'll let you know within 5 working days of receiving your application, if we need any more information.
If for some reason we're unable to approve your application, we’ll get in touch to discuss this with you.
Once your application has been approved, you will be notified along with your installer and electricity retailer, who'll work with you to progress your installation.
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Once we've received your initial application form we'll send through an invoice for payment of the application fee.
Once we've received payment we'll then, within 30 business days, either approve your application, or provide you with information you'll need to progress your DG connection, such as network and design requirements, constraints and operational procedures.
At this stage, if you wish to proceed with the connection, you'll need to submit a final application form within 12 months of receiving the information we provide.
After receiving your final application we'll then advise you, in writing, if your application has been approved and any conditions of connection, no later than the following timeframes:
- DG that will have a nameplate capacity of less than 1MW - 45 business days.
- DG that will have a nameplate capacity of 1MW or more but less than 5MW - 60 business days.
- DG that will have a nameplate capacity of 5MW or more - 80 business days.
We may require you to enter into a Generation Connection Agreement to address certain connection conditions and charges that may apply.
Under Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010, parties have 30 business days to enter into such an agreement, with an extension possible if agreed by the parties. If an agreement is not able to be reached the regulated terms in Schedule 6.2 of Part 6 of the code will apply.
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For DG connections above 10kW the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 requires that the process is undertaken in two stages.
You'll need to complete an application for each stage prior to installation and connection of your DG.
In the first stage you'll need to complete the initial application form so we can scope your requirements and identify any works required to facilitate connection to our network.
In the second stage you'll need to include technical information so we can consider, cost and approve the connection of your DG to our network.
For very large DG connections, typically those of utility scale, a significant network upgrade may be required with associated costs and lead times.
Before lodging an application please also ensure you have read WEL's Network Connection Standard.
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The DG application process only covers approval to export electricity to WEL's Network. It's based on there being an existing connection of the appropriate number of phases and fusing to support the hardware being installed. It's the installer's responsibility to check that the network connection is suitable. Any change to the network connection must be applied for through the WELConnect portal. Increases to 3 phase, or the fused capacity, should utilise the Increase Load for an Existing Connection application type.
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- A WEL smart meter will need to be installed if the installation address for the distributed generation doesn't currently have a WEL smart meter.
- A retailer will determine the revenue meter supplier (MEP), but in all cases the meter board will also need to contain a WEL smart meter.
- WEL will cover the installation cost of the WEL smart meter. If there isn't enough space on the meter board for the WEL smart meter, the meter board must be enlarged at the customer's expense. Please refer to the minimum required space here.
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If you’re an installer please email Generation@wel.co.nz with the following details:
- Business name
- Business contact person’s name
- Email address
- Contact phone number
We'll provide you access to the installer portal and add you to the application form list of installers customers can select from.
Please note: At this stage portal access is limited to one email address per business.
Electricity Industry Code
At WEL we manage Distributed Generation connections in accordance with Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.
Congestion Management
Important DG information for network faults and the management of congestion