Distributed Generation

This page provides information to assist you with connecting distributed generation to Centralines electricity network.

Centralines provides this information in accordance with Part 6 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.

What is distributed generation?

Distributed generation (DG) is a term used in the electricity sector to describe small scale generation sources selling electricity back to the national grid.

In New Zealand, the most popular types of small scale distributed generation (SSDG) include solar panels and wind turbines which are commonly installed to reduce the property owner's need to purchase electricity from a retailer. For example, a home owner might install solar panels on their roof to supply electricity to their home, thus reducing their monthly power bill.

By connecting the SSDG to our network using, the same home owner could also sell any excess electricity generated through their solar panels back to their retailer, effectively gaining a credit on their power bill.

At Centralines we manage DG connections in accordance with the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010, Part 6 (the Code), which categorises distributed generation into two groups:

• Connections of 10kW or less (generally residential), and
• Connections above 10kW (generally commercial/industrial).

Connection terms for distributed generation of 10kW or less

For small scale distributed generation of 10 kW or less the regulated terms contained in Schedule 6.2 of Part 6 of the Code apply subject to the generator satisfying the requirements of Centralines' Network Connection Standard.