Customer Installations
Advice No. 1344 15/01/10
Doc. Ref. ES3 Part A, Metering Installations
TO:
Customers, Service Providers, Electrical Contractors and Ausgrid Staff
Amendment to ES 3, Part A, Metering Installations
Scope
The NSW State Government has introduced a Solar Bonus Scheme as of the 1st January 2010. Transitional
arrangements for Ausgrid will be in place until 30 June 2010. To receive the scheme credits after 1 July 2010,
customers with Complying Generators will need to have their installation configured for Gross Metering to
participate in this scheme. Gross metering will only be required by those eligible customers who choose to
take part in the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme. The existing Net metering arrangements will still be available to
customers that are not eligible for the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme.
New small scale embedded generators installations, to be connected for all buy-back installations prior to 29
March 2010 must be metered in a Net metering configuration. Metering equipment for Gross metered sites
should be available after this date. See Clause 2.5.1 for further details. ES 3 Part B - Technical Specifications
for Metering Installations will be updated prior to 29 March 2010.
Ausgrid Network Business will finalise the new Gross billing and crediting details in the transition period
between 29 March 2010 and 1 July 2010. Customers should contact their energy Retailer for specific details
related to their account, and when they expect to receive credits on their account. See Clause 2.5.1 for further
details
Details relating to the introduction of the scheme can be found in ES 1, Customer Connection Information and
CIA 1344, Amendment to ES 1, Customer Connection Information.
Amendments

On page 1, insert the following new definitions, in alphabetical order
Buy Back
Metering
Installation
Is metering installed at a Customers Installation that records
the electricity exported into a distribution network from a
small scale distributed generation facility.
These installations can be metered in either a Gross or Net
metering configuration. The metering configuration will
depend on the requirements outlined in this document.
It is a requirement under the NERs that where small scale
distributed generation facilities exist, buy back metering must
be installed as the standard metering configuration.
CEC
Clean Energy Council. Formerly the Business Council of
Sustainable Energy.
Complying
Generator
Is a solar photovoltaic generator, a wind turbine, or a
renewable energy generator of a class prescribed by the
regulations, that:
(a) has a generating capacity of no more than 10 kilowatts,
(b) is installed and connected to the distribution network in a
manner that provides for all the electricity generated to be
supplied to the distribution network,
(c) allows the relevant distribution network service provider to
measure at any instant the amount of electricity supplied,
(d) complies with, and is installed and connected in a manner
that complies with any safety, technical or metering
requirements that may be prescribed by the regulations or
market operations rules,
(e) Connected via a CEC approved inverter.
(f) Is connected at a Small Retail Customers installation.
Export Energy
Electricity that is generated by the customer and delivered
back to the Ausgrid Network (i.e. electricity delivered to the
NEM electricity pool).
Gross Metering
A metering system that measures the electricity generated by
the Complying Generator system.
Import Energy
Electricity that is drawn from the local distribution network
and consumed or used within the customer’s installation (i.e.
electricity received from the NEM electricity pool).
Net Metering
A metering system that measures the excess energy
generated and exported into the distribution network.
Solar Bonus
Scheme
The NSW Government scheme which commenced on the 1st
January 2010, which introduced a gross feed in tariff for all
Complying Generators connected to a NSW distribution
network.
Structure (Str)
Is the electronic meter’s program configuration identifier
which identifies the measurement parameters of the meter.

On page 4 delete Table 1, Metering Configurations and replace with the following:
Supply Arrangement
Controlled
Load
Principal
Tariff
Item
Metering Configuration (all metered installations)
STANDARD CONFIGURATIONS (Clause 2.1.2)
1
2
3
4
5
1phase
None
3phase
None
1phase
1phase
3phase
1phase
3phase
3phase
TABLE NOTES
METER SPACING REQUIREMENT
NOTES:
See Clause 2.3 Metering Equipment
Spacing Requirements.
E1
Str 19
E3
Str 19
E2
Str 20
E1
E3
Str 19
Str 19
E3
E3
Str 19
Str 19
K
E
Y
L
Electronic Meter:
1 meter only. There is no
load control associated with
this meter.
L
NON – STANDARD CONFIGURATIONS (Clause 2.1.3).
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
E1
E1
Str 19
Str 19
Electronic Meter: 1
meter with a 1 load
control element (with
internal ripple frequency
relay or time switch). See
clause 2.1.6 for more
information on the
requirements for
controlled load.
2phase
None
2phase
1phase
E2
E1
Str 20
Str 19
1phase
2phase
E2
E1
Str 20
Str 19
2phase
2phase
E2
E2
Str 20
Str 20
3phase
2phase
E3
E1
E1
Str 19
Str 19
Str 19
1phase
3phase
E1
E3
Str 19
Str 19
L
2phase
3phase
E1
E1
E3
Str 19
Str 19
Str 19
Electronic Meter:
3 meter only. There is
no load control
associated with this
meter.
L
L
Load Control Relay
(ripple frequency relay or
time switch for up to 25A
switching. See clause
2.1.6 for more information
on the requirements for
controlled load.

On page 4 in the table notes, insert the following new note 11
11. For Gross metered Buy – Back installations special
metering configurations apply. Refer to clause 2.5 for
further information and wiring diagrams

On page 5 Clause 2.1, insert the following after the second paragraph:
Where Metering Installations are changed or relocated, the metering enclosure
must be accessible to Ausgrid staff at all times in accordance with the
requirements set out in the Service and Installation Rules of NSW.
Note: Automated Meter Reading will not be available for Small Scale Embedded
Generator connections metered with Type 5 electronic metering.

On page 6 Clause 2.1.6, insert the following after the Note:
Where off peak metering is installed for controlled load purposes, the ASP must
indicate on the NOSW which meter is connected to the controlled load circuit and
what relay channel and frequency or time switch setting is programmed into the
meter or LCD.

On page 9, delete Figure 2.1: Single Phase Single Element Electronic Meter, and replace
with new figure 2.1
Figure 2.1, E1 Single Phase Single Element Electronic Meter

On page 10, delete Figure 2.2: Single Phase Dual Element Electronic Meter with
Controlled Load, and replace with new figure 2.2
Figure 2.2: E2 Single Phase Dual Element Electronic Meter with Controlled
Load Facility

On page 10, delete Figure 2.3: E3 Three Phase Single Element Electronic Meter, and
replace with new figure 2.3
Figure 2.3: E3 Three Phase Single Element Electronic Meter

On page 11, delete Figure 2.4: Load Control Device Wiring Diagram, and replace with new
figure 2.4
Figure 2.4: Load Control Device Wiring Diagram

On page 10, insert new clause 2.2.1
2.2.1 Reading of Electronic Metering Equipment
Ausgrid programs all electronic metering equipment with a standard display
configuration that may automatically or manually cycle (by pressing the display
button on the meter) through a preset formatted display. Each of these displays
has a specific function (e.g. date/time, kWh’s) and a register identifier.
If a customer wishes to read the display of their electronic meter, they should:

Determine the metering prefix of the meter installed at the Customers
Installation (e.g. PBW, AMG, PRT or EDX). This can be achieved by looking
at the metering details on the customer’s energy bill, or on the front of the
meter itself located within the switchboard for the installation.

Refer to ES 3, Part B Technical Specifications for Metering Installations, to
obtain further information on the manufacturer’s meter which is installed at
the Customer’s Installation.

Locate the display clause for the specific meter, identify if the Customers
Installation is a buyback or standard customer and select the appropriate
Structure table.

Look at the display readings on the meter and match them to the table using
the register (Reg) identifiers as reference.
Note: The meter time is not adjusted for daylight saving but is corrected in
preparing meter data for other purposes such as billing.
In general the following information in Table 2 is displayed on the registers
indicated.
Table 2, Description of Register Displays for Electronic Metering
Registers
Function
Display
Test
88
Date
1
Time
ID
2
3
kWh
Import
19
20
Structures
21 23 25
27
Description
Default display. Represents the
       start of the scroll
Current date programmed in
       meter
   

7
Gross kWh
Export
73
Gross kWh
Import
83
 
93

daylight saving)
Total energy consumed by the
installation, accumulated from the
date the meter is installed
Total energy consumed by the
controlled load (off peak)

 portion of the installation,
accumulated from the date
the meter is installed
Total energy produced by the
Complying Generator,,
  
accumulated from the date
the meter is installed.
Total energy consumed by the
Complying Generator,
  
accumulated from the date
the meter is installed.
Net kWh
Export
All LCD
symbols
29:04:10
12:34:23
3245.7
12568.3
1025.6
12548.5
The excess energy not
consumed by the customer
installation that is generated by
the buy back installation and
delivered back to the local
Distribution Network,
accumulated from the date the
meter is installed.
On page 11, delete the heading to the existing Table 2, AMR Requirements for Multiple
Installations to the following:
Table 3: AMR Requirements for Multiple Installations

Example
Current time programmed in
       meter. (Time is not adjusted for
kWh
Controlled

26
On page 11 clause 2.3.2.3, replace the 2 references to Table 2 with:
Table 3
125.2

On page 12, delete clauses 2.5 and 2.5.1 and replace with the following
2.5
Buy Back Metering Requirements
The metering requirements of this clause only apply to small scale embedded generation
systems that are less then 10kVA per phase (up to a total of 30kVA) for Net Metered sites
and 10kW in total for a Gross Metered Complying Generator site. For installations greater
than 10kVA per phase an application must be made through the local Field Operations
office.
All Buy-Back metering will require specifically programmed electronic metering equipment
designed to record the consumption of energy that is both Exported and Imported by a
Customers Installation.
All Buy-Back metering must be individually requested in advance from the Ausgrid’s local
Field Operations office, and the ASP must clearly state in the application for the metering
equipment, that it is for the purposes of metering a Buy-Back Metering Installation. Each
Buy-Back meter will be specially marked to indicate the Structure that it has been
programmed for, e.g. “Structure 21” or “Structure 23 may appear on a label affixed to the
meter.
All Buy-Back metering must be installed prior to the energising of the Buy-Back installation.
The customer must liaise with their Retailer and ASP to determine the best arrangement for
their circumstance. An AFC must be submitted in advance and an Ausgrid job number
issued prior to commencing work on installations intended for Buy Back metering. (See ES1,
Customer Connection Information for further details). Once completed, a NOSW must be
submitted to Ausgrid for all metering installed and the NOSW must specifically identify which
meter is the Buy-Back meter and what Structure is programmed into EACH electronic meter
installed at the Customers Installation.
The following table provides a general overview of the metering configurations available for
the sizes of the generation system.
Table 4, Metering Configurations Generator Sizes
Generation
System Size
Metering
Configuration
Applicability
≤10kVA Per Phase
Net Metering
Acceptable
≤10kW Total
Gross Metering
or Net Metering
Acceptable
>10kW Total
Gross Metering
Not Acceptable
>10kVA per Phase
Net Metering
Apply Through local
Field Operations office
For information regarding the process for obtaining approval to connect a small
scale embedded generation system, refer to Ausgrid’s document ES1, Customer
Connection Information.
2.5.1 Transitional Arrangements until 1 July 2010 to Facilitate the Introduction of the NSW
Solar Bonus Scheme
To facilitate the introduction of the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme, the NSW Government has
allowed Ausgrid until 1 July 2010 to implement all the necessary changes to introduce Gross
Metering arrangements such as appropriate meters, billing and metering systems.
From 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2010 customers that have existing Net metered
installations will receive an additional credit for all the excess
2.5.1.1
Metering Configuration
Where a customer elects to participate, and is eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme, the
appropriate metering equipment to facilitate Gross metering will be available from Ausgrid
after the 29 March 2010. These meters will have internal programs (Structures) dedicated to
registering total energy generated by the Complying Generator.
The connection configurations and wiring diagrams for the Gross Metering are outlined in
clauses 2.5.4.
2.5.1.2
Billing Arrangements
Ausgrid Network Business will finalise the Gross Network billing and crediting arrangements
for Energy Retailers in the transition period up to the 1 July 2010. Customers should contact
their energy Retailer for specific details related to their account, and when they can expect to
receive Solar Bonus Scheme credits.
2.5.2
Electronic Metering Requirements
The metering requirements for Buy-Back Metering Installations vary from the standard
metering outlined in Table 1. Only certain specifically programmed E1, E2 and E3 meters
are capable of registering buy-back energy. See ES3 Part B, Technical Specifications for
Metering Installations for compatible Buy-Back metering equipment.
The wiring configuration is as specified in Clause 2.1.12 are suitable for Net Metered
installations only.
For information related to related to Gross Metering, refer to Clause 2.5.4
2.5.3
Net Metering Buy Back Requirements
Where a customer proposes to connect a small scale embedded generation facility (e.g.
embedded generator / inverter system) to an installation for the purpose of generating
electricity for use within their installation and exporting any excess electricity back into
Ausgrid’s Network, as a minimum a suitable Net Metered Buy-Back Metering configuration
must be installed to capture the exported energy. This is required even if the Customer’s
Installation may not generate energy back into the Ausgrid Network (i.e. if the customer’s
installation has a small scale embedded generation facility installed, a Buy-Back Metering
Installation must also be installed).
For non-standard metering configurations where there is more than 1 meter required for the
principal tariff (e.g. for 2 phase installations), Buy-Back Metering must only be installed on
the phase that the small scale embedded generator is connected to.
The standard Net Metering configurations are identified in Table 5. The wiring diagrams for
Net Metered installations are documented in clause 2.1.12.
Table 5 Structures for Net Metered Installations
2.5.4
Type of Meter for a Net
Metered Installation
Net Meter Program Structure To
be Indicated on NOSW
Single Phase (E1)
Structure 21
Single Phase/Off Peak
(E2)
Structure 23
Three Phase (E3)
Structure 21
Gross Metering Buy Back Requirements (effective from 29 March 2010)
Customers wishing to comply with the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme must meter their small
scale embedded generator under a Gross Metering configuration. The standard Gross
Metering configurations are identified in Table 6. The wiring diagrams for Gross Metered
installations are documented in clause 2.5.4. New small scale embedded generators
installations, to be connected prior to 29 March 2010 must metered in a Net metering
configuration.
2.5.4.1 Details Required on the Notification of Service Work Form (NOSW) for Buy back Metered
Installations
The correct Structure as detailed in Table 5 (for Net metered sites) and Table 6 (for Gross
metered sites) and identified on the electronic meter MUST be indicated in the tariff box on
the NOSW form that is submitted to Ausgrid for EACH electronic meter installed on the
Customer’s Installation.
Table 6. Standard Gross Metering Configurations
Gross Bi-Directional Metering
Configuration
Supply Arrangement
Meter Program
Structures
Required in the
Tariff column on
the NOSW Form
Controlled
Load
Buy Back
Load#
1
1-phase
None
1-phase
E1
Str 19
1a*
1-phase
None
1-phase
E2b
Str 26
2
3-phase
None
1-phase
E3
Str 19
E1b
Str 25
Str 19
Str 25
3
1-phase
1-phase
1-phase
E2
Str 20
E1b
Str 25
Str 20
Str 25
4
3-phase
1-phase
1-phase
E3
Str 19
E2b
Str 27
Str 19
Str 27
5
3-phase
3-phase
1-phase
E3
Str 19
E3
Str 19
Str 19 /
Str 19
Str 25
Item
Principal
Tariff
E1b
Str 25
Principal
Meter
Gross
Buy
Back
Meter
Str 19
Str 25
Str 26^
E1b
Str 25
L
Electronic Meter: 1 meter only. There is no load control
associated with this meter.
Key
E1b
Electronic Meter: 1 meter only, programmed for bidirectional energy measurement. There is no load control
associated with this meter.
Electronic Meter: 1 meter with a 1 load control element
(with internal ripple frequency relay or time switch). See
clause 2.1.6 for more information on the requirements for
controlled load.
E2b
Electronic Meter: 1 meter with 2 metering elements, one of
which is programmed for bi-directional energy measurement
– See wiring diagrams below for element arrangement.
Electronic Meter:
3 meter only. There is no load control associated with this
meter.
Load Control Relay (ripple frequency relay or time switch for
up to 25A switching. See clause 2.1.6 for more information
on the requirements for controlled load.
* Item 1a is for space saving situations only. If installed at a site where the arrangement
under Item 1 could have been installed, a defect will be raised against the ASP and
metering will be required to be changed to Item 1. Particular attention should be taken
regarding the wiring configuration of this meter in Clause 2.5.4.3.
# For multiple phase Complying Generators, contact the local Field Operations office for
an appropriate Gross Metering configuration.
^ The tariff applicable for this meter is to be located in the principal tariff column of the
NOSW form.
2.5.4.2
Metering Wiring Configurations for Electronic Meters
The following clauses contain the standard wiring diagrams required for the connection
of a Gross Metered installation. Specific wiring and technical details related to the
individual metering devices can be found in ES3, Part B, Technical Specifications for
Metering Installations.
Each of the wiring diagrams below can be directly related to each item in Table 6 above.
2.5.4.3
Gross Metering Configuration Item 1
Single phase principal tariff with no off peak connection
2.5.4.4
Gross Metering Configuration Item 1a
Single phase principal tariff with no off peak connection
2.5.4.5
Gross Metering Configuration Item 2
Three phase principal tariff with no off peak connection
2.5.4.6
Gross Metering Configuration Item 3
Single phase principal tariff with single phase off peak tariff
2.5.4.7
Gross Metering Configuration Item 4
Three phase principal tariff with single phase off peak tariff
2.5.4.8
Gross Metering Configuration Item 5
Three phase principal tariff with three phase off peak tariff

On page 18 , rename the existing Table, 3: Small Retail Customers (new and & existing)
(<160MWh/annum) (Type 5 and 6) with:
Table 7: Small Retail Customers (new & existing) (<160MWh/annum) (Type 5 and 6)

On Page 24, delete clause 4.2.7 and insert the following new clause.
4.2.7
Metering Panels and Enclosures
The minimum enclosure size per metering location is 600mm (h) x 600mm (w). Check
Metering can be installed on the same panel as the revenue metering, providing all
necessary ancillary equipment can be easily accessible.
If the metering equipment is installed outdoors, an appropriate weatherproof enclosure is
to be used. The size of the enclosure will depend on the number of services to be
metered with a minimum of depth of 250mm.
The layout and wiring configuration should be as described below. Copies of this layout
can be obtained from TCA via an email request to [email protected]
All links and fuses located at the metering enclosure must be able to be completely
enclosed and appropriately sealed to prevent unauthorised access. See figures 4.3, 4.4
and 4.5 following.

On page 29 Appendix A, delete the Special NOSW form and replace with
Appendix A – Special NOSW Form (Type 1 to 4 meter replacement)
Special Notification of Service Work (Type 1 to 4 Meter Replacement)
Please complete and fax this form to Ausgrid (on fax no. 02 8719 0221) within 2 working days of all type 1 to 4 meter
replacements in Ausgrid’s distribution area. This form should not be used for type 5 & 6 meter replacements or for all brand-new
installations (the standard NOSW form should be used for this purpose) Issue 2
Section A – Customer and Site Details
NMI:
Customer Name:
Address:
State:
Current Retailer Account No:
Postcode:
New Interested Party Details
Local Network Service Provider
New Retailer
Responsible Person
Ausgrid
Meter Provider
Meter Data Agency
Section B – Metering Equipment Details
METER DETAILS
Meters Removed
Meter Number
Manufacturer
Model
N
Dials
D
Meter Multiplier
Readings
Multi Register Readings - Meter Number
ID
Code
Dials
N
Reading
ID
Code
D
Dials
N
Reading
D
ID
Code
Dials
N
Reading
D
ID
Code
Dials
N
Reading
D
Meter Installed
Property Number
Manufacturer
Model
Meter Multiplier
Communications Details
Was there an existing PSTN line
at the site?
Yes / No
Was the PSTN line used
for the new meter?
Yes / No
PSTN line number
Communications Removed
Property Number
Phone Number
Manufacturer
Model
Baud Rate
Phone Number
Manufacturer
Model
Baud Rate
Communications Installed
Property Number
Measurement Transformer Details
Voltage Transformer
Serial Number
Current Transformer
R
W
B
Accuracy Class
Ratio
Primary
Secondary
Voltage (Line-Line)
Voltage (Line-Line)
Current
Current
Section C – Test Report Indicate which of the following checks have been performed by ticking the appropriate boxes
1. Polarity 
2. Phase Rotation 
3. External Metalwork Not Alive 
4. Insulation Resistance 
5. Earth Integrity 
Section D – Certification by Authorised Service Provider
I/We notify that the completed metering work described in this notice complies with Ausgrid’s requirements and the Service and
Installation Rules of NSW as follows:
Work tested, and sealed by: _________________________ Date removed: __________________ Time removed: ________________
Signature: ________________________________________ Sealing Pliers No: ___________ Authorised Person Number: __________
Prepared by:
P. Brownlee
Projects Officer Installation Policy &
Compliance
Authorised by:
N. Dyer
Manager Installation Policy &
Compliance