8New Part DA inserted in Chapter 6

8 New Part DA inserted in Chapter 6

8.1 After Part D of Chapter 6 of the National Electricity Rules insert—

"Part DA—Connection policies

6.7A Connection policy requirements

This Rule deals with the preparation of, requirements for and approval of connection policies.

6.7A.1 Preparation of, and requirements for, connection policy

(a) A Distribution Network Service Provider must prepare a document (its proposed connection policy) setting out the circumstances in which it may require a retail customer or real estate developer to pay a connection charge, for the provision of a connection service under Chapter 5A.

(b) The proposed connection policy:

(1) must be consistent with:

(i) the connection charge principles; and

(ii) the connection charge guidelines; and

(2) must specify:

(i) the categories of persons that may be required to pay a connection charge and the circumstances in which such a requirement may be imposed; and

(ii) the aspects of a connection service for which a connection charge may be made; and

The Distribution Network Service Provider might (for example) make separate connection charges for the provision of a connection asset and for making a necessary extension to, or other augmentation of, the distribution network.

(iii) the basis on which connection charges are determined; and

(iv) the manner in which connection charges are to be paid (or equivalent consideration is to be given); and

Examples

The payment (or equivalent consideration) might take the form of a capital contribution, prepayment or financial guarantee.

(v) a threshold (based on capacity or any other measure identified in the connection charge guidelines) below which a retail customer (not being a non-registered embedded generator or a real estate developer) will not be liable for a connection charge for an augmentation other than an .".