What is Embedded Generation? 

Embedded Generation (EG) involves any form of onsite generation installed on your premise, which may require a connection to the Jemena Electricity Distribution Network. 

It is important to note that all generation systems which require an Electricity Distribution Network connection must be reviewed and approved by Jemena prior to installation and operation. This is to ensure safe and compliant operation of the Jemena network and your generator. 

These generator types include: 

Inverter Systems:  

• • Solar Systems.
  • Batteries Storage. 

Non-Inverter Systems: 

• • Diesel generators.
  • Gas generators. 
  • Wind generators.

Victoria Emergency Backstop Mechanism

The Victorian Government is introducing an emergency backstop mechanism for customer embedded generation systems. This emergency backstop mechanism will be introduced in 2 phases with the first phase mandate in October 2023. The new mandate requires that all new, replacement and upgraded applications for embedded generation with a site capacity greater than 200kVA be equipped with remote disconnection capability.

Customers whose installations fall under the new guidelines will be required to install a capability that allows the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) to remotely disconnect generators when directed by the Australian Electricity Market Operator (AEMO).   

To support our customers with complying with this mandate, Jemena Electricity Networks has updated our Embedded Generation Backstop Guidelines which can be found here. 

What is the Emergency Backstop Mechanism and how does it work? 

The emergency backstop requires network service providers to be able to remotely turn down or switch off customer embedded generation systems during an energy supply emergency to avoid blackouts. This will only be used in rare emergency situations when the network rooftop solar exports are high, but energy use is low, and the electricity grid becomes unstable and unable to be safely managed. 

The emergency backstop mechanism will mainly only be used when required by AEMO. It will help to avoid blackouts and make sure that Victorians can continue to use electricity. 

For more information on the Emergency Backstop Mechanism, please refer to the Victorian Government's Energy Website.

What does it mean for me? 

To ensure compliance with the first phase of the mandate, all new, replacement and upgraded applications for embedded generation with a site capacity of greater than 200kVA are required to follow Jemena’s Embedded Generation Backstop Guideline. The guideline provides information on the solution requirements to enable Jemena to remotely turn down or switch off customer embedded generation systems in the rare event that we are directed to do so by AEMO. 

We recommend you review the new guidelines in detail and factor any additional costs into upcoming system designs and estimates. 

The guideline and requirement for the installation of equipment to enable the remote-control capabilities will apply to:  

• • Embedded Generation Installations of 1 MVA (or larger) connected to Jemena Electricity Networks that are installed or modified after 1 September 2022, or 
  • Embedded Generation Installations of greater than 200 kVA with a connection application made after 25 October 2023. 

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this further, please contact us on Generation_Enquiries@jemena.com.au. 

New and Existing Embedded Generation Applications: 

All customers, installers and electrical contractors are required to: 

1. Submit all New and Existing Embedded Generation applications on the Jemena ‘Connect and manage my electricity’ portal.  
2. Provide additional information in the application that has traditionally been required by Jemena. The following checklist will provide a guide of information typically required in the application. 

Things you should know: 

All new installations and upgrades to existing Installations must be compliant with the requirements of the Technical Rules, AS/NZS 4777.1, 4777.2, AS/NZS 3000, and other relevant Standards, Laws and Good Industry Practice.