Frequently asked questions
We answer some of our customers' frequently asked questions about the connection process below:
Who can fill in the connection application form?
The customer, or any person authorised by the customer, can fill in the application form. This includes the designer of the electrical installation, any consultant or electrical contractor involved, architect, project or contract manager.
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Where do I get a connection application form?
Download your connection application form (PDF) or contact us on 03 363 9898, fax 03 363 9857 or email us.
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What is the application process?
Once we receive your application form, one of our contract managers will process the application.
If you have applied to connect an electricity supply to a house or other simple installation, we will usually send you a letter within seven working days to confirm your application details. As an added service, we also send you a list of electrical contractors who you can contact to carry out the work.
If your installation is more complex, one of our contract managers will usually telephone you to discuss your application. The contract manager can provide information on how you can get the installation designed and built to meet our requirements, together with other options to facilitate the project. Again, we provide a list of designers and contractors able to undertake the work. The contract manager will check designs to ensure our requirements are met and negotiate legal and investment issues with the customer. The contract manager also accepts completion certificates from network construction contractors.
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How long does the application process take?
If you apply for a normal sized residential connection, we will usually confirm connection details within seven working days.
For larger projects, the average length of time to process an application is six to eight weeks. This allows time for the design to be completed and approved, a tender to be let for construction, and the work to be done. Connection to the network goes ahead once all these preliminary steps are completed.
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Will Orion build new connections to its network?
No. Orion facilitates the construction of the supply between the existing network and the point where the customer's service main connects to our network (the network connection point.) It is up to the owner of the premises to ensure supply from the network connection point to the building and that the building's electrical installation is completed and receives a certificate of compliance. This approach gives people a choice of designer and electrical contractor.
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What's the difference between Orion and an electricity retailer?
Orion provides the poles, power lines, underground cables and other electrical equipment necessary to deliver electricity to the network connection point. Electricity retailers sell the electricity which is delivered using that equipment. Electricity retailers include:
An electricity account collects money for both the electricity and the delivery of the electricity. The retailer then passes on our portion for the service we provide.
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Can I apply for connection through my electricity retailer?
Yes. You can request your retailer to facilitate the connection of your new property as part of the process of setting up your account. If you intend to do this, please talk to your retailer as early as possible. They can also arrange the metering and electrical inspection of the installation.
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Where does Orion's network end and the customer's service start?
The point where ownership changes is called the 'network connection point'. This is usually at the property's boundary. The customer is responsible for the electrical installation on the premises side of the network connection point (i.e. on the customer's property). We are responsible for all equipment on the street side of that point.
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Can individuals own cables in the street (road reserve)?
No. The road reserve (which includes the land between the front boundaries of the properties on either side of the street) is controlled by the local city or district council. Individuals do not have a legal right to install anything outside their property boundaries. By agreement with the local councils, all electrical services in the street are owned by the local network companies. Network companies are required to maintain accurate records of all cable routes and incur all liability for their accuracy.
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What happens when Orion owns network on privately owned land?
All of our assets installed on private land prior to 1993 are protected by legislation, which allows the assets to remain in their present location and be maintained to existing specifications. If the capacity needs to be upgraded or the configuration changed, then an easement needs to be obtained from the property owner. In most other circumstances an easement in our favour will be required.
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Who do I contact at Orion?
You can contact us by calling 03 363 9898, faxing 03 363 9857 or emailing us. We can answer your questions about the connection process.
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