At a glance
South Australia at a glance
Quick answers
ElectraNet, quickly
What comes before the formal connection enquiry with ElectraNet?
ElectraNet recommends a connection options report and indicative pricing ahead of the formal enquiry under clause 5.3.2 - a pre-feasibility step that shapes everything after it.
What does ElectraNet's enquiry response cover?
The response to a clause 5.3.2 enquiry sets out shared-asset costs, contestability and functional specifications - the commercial and technical shape of the connection, early. ElectraNet publishes response timeframes for the enquiry stages.
Why do EMT studies matter so much in South Australia?
Because SA runs one of the highest shares of inverter-based generation of any gigawatt-scale system in the world. Weak-grid dynamics make fast inverter control interactions a first-order design question, and EMT (PSCAD) is the domain that resolves them.
When is a full impact assessment required?
Where the connection's system strength impact requires it - and in a state where weak-grid behaviour is the default assumption, plan for that possibility from the start.
Who signs off the performance standards in SA?
AEMO endorses the performance standards before the offer to connect and transmission connection agreement - and SA's operating history means standards are negotiated carefully and verified thoroughly, with GPS compliance and R2 testing proving them on-system through commissioning.
How long does an ElectraNet connection take?
End to end, significant plant commonly runs a year or more to connection agreement, with the deepest variability in performance standard negotiation and system strength outcomes.
The pathway
ElectraNet's path to an agreement
- Pre-feasibility
Connection options report and indicative pricing - recommended before formal lodgement.
- Connection enquiry (5.3.2)
ElectraNet's response sets out shared-asset costs, contestability and functional specifications.
- Application to connect
Proposed performance standards, supporting network studies and a preliminary works agreement.
- Full impact assessment
Where the connection's system strength impact requires it.
- Offer to connect
Transmission connection agreement, following AEMO's endorsement of performance standards.
- Design, build and registration
Delivery of connection assets and AEMO registration.
- GPS compliance and R2 testing
On-system proof through commissioning.
Studies
Where EMT carries real weight
South Australia runs one of the highest shares of inverter-based generation of any gigawatt-scale power system in the world - the study expectations reflect it. Power system studies.
The honest part
Where it gets hard
Low system strength regions make inverter control interactions a first-order design question, not a compliance afterthought - EMT studies done early change plant selection, and APD runs them proponent-side.
SA's operating history means standards are negotiated carefully and verified thoroughly - model quality at application is the schedule.
Official documents
ElectraNet's own pages
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with the network directly.
Proof, not promises
APD on weak grids and big batteries
Waratah Super Battery
Independent Engineer on one of the world's most powerful batteries - inverter-based plant at the hard end.
The project →
GPS, proven
Simulated versus measured - the model validation discipline SA connections live on.
The GPS case →Keep navigating