View current outages:
  • No current outages

Complex connections

Enquire and discuss

Before applying for a new complex connection, take time to understand your options, the process, timelines and application costs.

When your application is complex (i.e., it's a large load, solar, or you have flexibility in your connection size and location), then you may want a free pre-application meeting with us. To request a pre-application meeting, you can call us on 0800 430 360 or email enquiries@eanetworks.co.nz.

Apply and explore

Complete your application online or engage with your service provider, who will apply for your connection on your behalf. This step covers:

  1. Initial application for major projects.
  2. High-level application review within 30 days (we may request more information from you).
  3. Concept design (charges may apply)

Some projects may need additional steps, such as consents, easements or Transpower conditions advised.

Apply now

Design and approve

We work with you and/or your service provider to design the solution for your needs. This step covers:

  1. Detailed design and finalised costings.
  2. An agreement/Network approval and acceptance of our Works Agreement and Customer Terms & Conditions.
  3. Payment (if partial payment is required).

Deliver and build

Our team will (where applicable) build, test and liven any new network assets.

In parallel, your approved service provider will complete the service connection works for you, as per your contract with them.

Connect and complete

When the connection is ready, your approved service provider can progress connection work, including requesting inspection and livening of your connection.

Complex connections may require specific commissioning steps and/or testing. Documentation may be required to finalise, e.g., as-built designs, easements, engineer sign-off, certificate of compliance.

Our team and/or your service provider will inform you about any additional requirements for your complex connection.

Pre-application meeting

A pre-application meeting is a great opportunity for you to discuss your needs with one of our team members.

We aim to help you with high-level, non-binding information for your proposed point of connection(s), which may include:

  • Indications of capacity.
  • Our connection process, key documentation and timeframes.
  • Indicative cost ranges.

We aren't able to provide detailed cost estimates and network analysis, or specific information on customer capital contributions.

We encourage you to engage with us early if your application is related to:

  • Charge point operators.
  • Large commercial EV charge connections.
  • Utility-scale solar or battery.
  • New industrial connections greater than 1MW.
  • Other large connections where you have flexibility on capacity.

If you'd like to enquire about a pre-application meeting, call us on 0800 430 460.

FAQ

How long will my application take to process?

For a complex connection:

a) If you'd like a pre-application meeting, please get in touch with us on 0800 430 460.

b) We will perform a high-level review of your initial application and contact you within 30 working days from your initial application.

c) You will need a formal design and a service provider to install your connection. Ask for an indication of timeframes for the design and installation of your connection when you’re getting the quote

If I pay something towards a network upgrade or EA Networks equipment, do I own it?

No. You may need to pay towards the cost of a network upgrade or to have EA Networks equipment installed on your property to enable your connection. This is so that the additional costs of your connection are not paid for by other customers. However, the equipment will still belong to us, and we will be responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment we own. Other equipment on your property that you own e.g., your service line connecting to your building/s or equipment, you are responsible for maintaining.

What is an easement and why am I being asked about one?

It gives us the right to install, operate, inspect, maintain and upgrade our equipment on property we don't own. Easements are registered on the land title, so we have the same rights even if the property is sold.

Often equipment will cross more than one person's property - that's how we get electricity from A to B. When this happens, there'll be more than one landowner who we need an easement from.

If an easement is needed for your connection, this will be discussed with you during the connection process.