Distributed generation

What is distributed generation?

Distributed generators, also known as 'embedded generators', are generators located at a home or business which are capable of generating electricity for that home or business's own use. They may also be capable of putting surplus generation back into our network.

Typically distributed generation is made up of:

• small systems with capacity of 10 kilowatts or less - small systems are likely to be installed in residential sites and are typically solar panels. They may also be wind powered, micro-hydro systems or fuel cells.

• larger systems with more than 10 kilowatts ot capacity - larger sized systems are more typically installed at industrial, commercial or rural sites.

Benefits of distributed generation

Distributed generation benefits the person or company who owns the generator and also benefits the wider community.

For us and our community, embedded generators that reliably and consistently respond when our network is heavily loaded assist in two main ways:

• they add security to our community's electricity supply
• they delay the need for us to expand our network capacity by supplying electricity close to where the power is consumed.

We recognise the benefits of these alternatives to our electricity delivery service and we generally pass on a financial benefit for reliable embedded generation to the electricity retailer who has contracted with the generator owner. The retailer can then pass these benefits to the generator owner.

In some circumstances we contract with generator owners directly, and in those circumstances, we pay them directly for any benefits.

View more information about:

Installing distributed generation and connecting it to our network

Statutory, regulatory and safety requirements

Pricing for distributed generation.