A generator is the equipment used by customers to generate their own electricity (e.g. solar panels). Connecting to the electricity distribution network allows customers to sell any excess power generated back to their retailer. This is known as distributed generation (DG).

Anyone who meets the applicable safety, technical, operational and commercial requirements can connect to the MainPower network. We recommend that before you before you submit your application, you make contact with our Network Services Representative team to discuss your needs (0800 30 90 80 or nsr@mainpower.co.nz).

Download our guide to connecting distributed generation to the MainPower network here. The guide contains important information about the application process.

Click here if you are ready to complete an application.

Resources

The code

Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 sets out information regarding connecting distributed generation. Read the code online here on the Electricity Authority's website.

Technical Standards

When connecting generation to the MainPower network, the following technical standards apply:

  • AS/NZS 4777.1:2016

  • AS/NZ 4777.2:2020

  • AS/NZS 3000:2007

Inverters

If you are connecting through an inverter you will also need to comply with the following standards:

  • AS/NZS 4777.2:2020

Read the full list of approved inverters here.

For more information on these standards visit Standards New Zealand or SAI Global. Please note that you will be required to purchase these standards.

Safety Requirements

Even if your generation will not connect to MainPower's network (either directly or as part of a mains connected installation) it will still need to comply with the following requirements.

Please note that the above standards can be purchased from the links above.

Export constraints & Curtailment

The following export constraints are currently in place. If you think your application will be affected by these constraints, please get in touch with our Network Services Representative team to discuss your options.

  • Mt Cass Road - east of the confluence of Omihi Creek and the Waipara River.

MainPower reserves the right to interrupt the connection of any Distributed Generation to the Network, or curtail either the operation or output of Distributed Generation, or both, and may temporarily disconnect the Distributed Generation from the Network under the following circumstances:

(a) Whenever MainPower deems it reasonably necessary for planned maintenance, construction, or repairs on the network.

(b) In emergency situations or for the purpose of protecting or preventing danger or damage to persons or property.

(c) If the Customer modifies its Distributed Generation without obtaining prior authorisation from MainPower, and such modification has a material effect on the injection of electricity from the Distributed Generation into the network.

(d) As a consequence of obligations imposed on MainPower that, in MainPower’s opinion, could affect the operation of the Distributed Generation. This includes obligations imposed by Transpower New Zealand Limited, both as the owner of the National Grid and as the System Operator, obligations to an electricity retailer, or obligations arising in respect of other distribution networks, or imposed by law, including the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.

(e) In the case of a prevalence or saturation of DG installations on any part of MainPower’s Network leading to operational issues, including but not limited to excessive voltage or compromising of protection equipment or settings.