As you might be aware, while all licensed electricians can handle electrical works within your premises (for example, electrical maintenance and repairs, safety inspections or lighting installation), not all electricians are authorised to work on the supply side.
These works include installation, maintenance and repairs of the underground and overhead lines between the electricity network and the customer premises. Connection and disconnection at the point of supply (not at the main switch), installing electricity meters and energising the power are all specialised services that require accreditation.
What are contestable works?
Connection of a new home or business to the electricity network, extending the network to your premises, facilitating an increased capacity connection and other similar works on the distribution network have to be funded by the customer. In NSW, such works may be done only by Accredited Service Providers (ASP) and the customer has the right to choose the provider.
These works are called ‘contestable’ since the customer has a choice of providers. Non-contestable works are carried out by the provider chosen by the energy supply authority.
Level 2 Electrician
In order to ensure the competence of providers performing contestable work, NSW Trade and Investment Department has an accreditation scheme. Accordingly, there are three levels of accreditation – Level 1 concentrating on distribution work, Level 2 on service work and Level 3 on design work.
The Level 2 provider does work on all distribution network assets between the point of supply (where the service fuse exists) and the common coupling point (the point where your service mains is connected to the network).
A Level 2 electrician can provide the following contestable services across four categories:
- Disconnection and reconnection of your premises – removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, and disconnecting and reconnecting your mains to the overhead lines thus making the connection ‘live’.
- Underground service lines – removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, installing and connecting underground service lines, and disconnecting and reconnecting consumer mains up to the common coupling point.
- Overhead service lines – removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, installing and connecting overhead service lines, disconnecting and reconnecting service lines at point of supply and the common coupling point, upgrading or relocating an existing overhead line, and restoring supply.
- Installation of energy metering and control equipment and installation energising – removing and replacing the distributor security seal, and installing or replacing metering (meter types 5 or 6) and control equipment.
For those in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore, we are proud to announce that Everest Electrical is now an accredited Level 2 Electrician who is authorised to perform contestable service work. This accreditation indicates that we have the skills and resources necessary to perform Level 2 services satisfactorily.
What we ensure
As a Level 2 provider, we ensure that:
- We undertake contestable works that only come under Level 2 works.
- We will start work on the distribution (or transmission) system only after the necessary authorisation has been received.
- Our procedures and the materials used for our works comply with the specifications of the local energy distributor and that they follow all industry practice codes.
- All equipment used is maintained and handled correctly for maximum safety.
- Our electricians who undertake contestable works are suitably qualified and trained for the purpose, and are registered with the accreditation scheme.
- Contestable works on the customer premises are connected to the distribution system only after the necessary testing and authorisation by the energy supplier.
- All necessary insurance coverage is maintained as specified in the accreditation scheme. This includes workers compensation coverage, third party property damages insurance and public liability coverage.
- We take responsibility for any damages or losses due to defective work.
Your responsibilities
Any mistake made while performing contestable works on your home or business premises will have an impact on the distribution network. It is therefore very important that you choose your service provider carefully. All contestable works must be done by providers having the necessary accreditation.
Additionally, you should:
- Obtain the necessary permission from the energy distributor for all contestable works – major or minor. You should advise the distributor about the type of work, when it will be done and any other relevant information.
- Coordinate with other customers (if applicable) for making arrangements and sharing the expenses.
- Arrange for appropriate testing and inspection as required by the energy provider before connecting your premises to the network and be responsible for the costs incurred for such testing and inspection.
At Everest Electrical, we are excited about this new Level 2 electrician accreditation. It means that we can now take care of all your Level 2 electrical works in Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches. Contact us on 0410 229 139 to find out more about our accreditation and how we can help you.