embedded generation
Within our network, we have customers who generate electricity on their own properties. These customers are called Embedded Generators and they can either produce power to assist in running their electrical equipment onsite, or they can export power back into our network, or both.
These Embedded Generators can produce power from various forms of alternative energy, these include Cogeneration gas or diesel fired engines, hydro generators through to wind farms and commercial/residential solar Photovoltaic panels. They also range in type and size from the typical 1.5kW (1.500W) domestic solar photovoltaic generator to a 50MW (50,000,000W) Wind Farm. By comparison traditional generators connected to the transmission network are large centralised power stations, typically more than 100MW (100,000,000W).
UE encourages the uptake of embedded generation particularly where these generators can defer or avoid network augmentation or provide environmental benefits such as reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions. We are committed to reducing the impact of our business operations on the environment and aim to be recognised as a leader in environmental management. UE has introduced an Environmental Management System for which it has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation and has also been a member of the Greenhouse Challenge Program since 1997.
Not only does Embedded Generation have benefits on the environment, it can also be beneficial compared to traditional centralised power stations. Benefits include a reduction in transmission network infrastructure and transmission line losses. Embedded Generators are also capable of higher overall energy efficiency if using co-generation or tri-generation because waste heat can be used for heating and cooling. Solar (photovoltaic) embedded generation allows residential customers to generate their own energy using sunlight and to inject excess energy not used into the local distribution network without the need for expensive energy storage batteries.
More Information
For more information regarding the connection process, requirements and specifications please follow the links provided in the left hand menu.
Further information can also be obtained from the Department of Primary Industries website by clicking here.
Key Contacts
Please contact the following key contact for questions in relation to:
Embedded Generation Commercial/Industrial
Ian Norris
03 – 8846 9900
Ian.norris@ue.com.au