How long does a grid connection application take in Victoria?

A grid connection application in Victoria typically takes 8–14 weeks from initial enquiry to technical approval, depending on the DNSP (AusNet, Powercor, or CitiPower) and the complexity of the connection. Utility-scale BESS projects requiring system impact studies can take 4–6 months in total.

What power system studies are required for a 5 MW BESS in Australia?

A 5 MW BESS connecting to an Australian distribution network typically requires a steady-state load flow study, a fault level analysis, a protection coordination study, and a harmonic assessment. AEMO may also require dynamic RMS or EMT modelling depending on the connection point and network characteristics.

What is a Generator Performance Standard (GPS)?

A Generator Performance Standard (GPS) is a set of technical requirements negotiated between the connecting party, the Network Service Provider, and AEMO under the National Electricity Rules. GPS define the minimum performance the BESS or generator must deliver for voltage control, frequency response, and fault ride-through capability.

Which DNSPs does Gridserve work with in Victoria?

Gridserve has direct experience with AusNet Services (eastern Victoria), Powercor (western Victoria), CitiPower (Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs), and United Energy (south-eastern Melbourne suburbs).

Does Gridserve manage the full AEMO registration process?

Yes. Gridserve manages the complete grid connection process from initial site feasibility through to AEMO registration and commercial operation, including DNSP application, power system studies, GPS negotiation, and commissioning support.

Earthing System Design & Testing

Safe, compliant and precisely engineered earthing solutions for utilities, substations, and industrial facilities.

Earthing Solutions That Protect People and Infrastructure

At GridServe, we understand that a well-designed earthing system is the foundation of any safe and compliant high-voltage installation. Whether you are developing new infrastructure or maintaining existing assets, our team brings the technical depth and field experience to get it right — from initial design through to on-site testing and commissioning. We partner with clients across Australia’s water, power, gas, renewables, mining, and government sectors.

11kV to 500kV design

Earthing solutions across all voltage levels for utilities, generation facilities, BESS, and renewable energy projects, modelled with CDEGS.

EPR, LFI & EMF studies

In-house assessment and mitigation design for hazardous induced voltages on pipelines and buried infrastructure near HV assets.

On-site testing & inspection

Comprehensive field testing using industry-leading equipment — soil resistivity, CIT, fall-of-potential, and earth continuity assessments.

GridServe supplies experienced and qualified engineers and technicians across earthing system design, hazard assessment, and on-site testing. Our professionals are deployed on a contract, secondment, or managed services basis — integrating directly with your team to accelerate delivery, fill capability gaps, and ensure your projects are completed to the highest technical and compliance standards.

Service Streams

Earthing system design

Designing an earthing system that performs under fault conditions requires more than software — it requires engineering judgement. GridServe develops earthing solutions for installations ranging from 11kV distribution networks through to 500kV transmission substations, as well as renewable energy facilities and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Every design is modelled using CDEGS, the industry benchmark for earthing analysis, and tailored to the specific soil conditions, fault levels, and safety requirements of your site.

HV substation earthing design from 11kV to 500kV
Renewable energy facility and BESS earthing systems
Utility network and distribution earthing design
Site-specific soil modelling and fault level analysis
Safety and regulatory compliance verification

EPR, LFI, and EMF studies

Pipelines and other buried metalwork near high-voltage infrastructure can be exposed to dangerous induced voltages — a risk that demands careful analysis and a clear mitigation strategy. GridServe conducts Earth Potential Rise (EPR) and Low-Frequency Induction (LFI) assessments for gas and water utilities, identifying where hazardous voltages exist and designing practical, cost-effective solutions to bring them within safe limits.

Mitigation design and implementation are handled entirely in-house, giving you a single point of accountability from assessment through to resolution.

EPR studies for substations and utility infrastructure
LFI assessments for gas and water pipeline corridors
EMF analysis for compliance and community obligations
In-house mitigation design — bonding, screening, and isolation strategies
Corrosion protection assessment and recommendations

Earthing system testing and inspection

An earthing system is only as reliable as its last test. GridServe provides thorough on-site testing services that give you an accurate picture of how your earthing infrastructure is actually performing — not just how it was designed to perform.

Soil resistivity surveys using the 4-Probe Wenner Method (AEMC Model 6471)
Earth continuity testing and physical inspections
Current distribution measurement in cable screens and overhead earth wires
Off-frequency Current Injection Testing (CIT) using low-current techniques
Fall-of-potential testing for earth electrode resistance

Lightning protection design and testing

A poorly designed lightning protection system creates risk rather than reducing it. GridServe develops compliant, optimised lightning protection systems (LPS) for structures of all types, designed in accordance with AS 1768:2021. Using CDEGS SESShield-3D, we apply both Rolling Sphere and Volume Collection methodologies to determine the most effective placement of air terminals, down conductors, earth terminations, and surge protection devices — ensuring your assets and personnel are protected without over-engineering the solution.

LPS design for all structure types to AS 1768:2021
Rolling Sphere and Volume Collection design methods
3D modelling using CDEGS SESShield-3D
Air terminal, down conductor, and earth termination layout
Surge Protection Device (SPD) specification and coordination

Our tools and technology

GridServe invests in the same tools used by leading utilities and engineering firms worldwide — ensuring every analysis, design, and field measurement meets the highest standard of accuracy and reliability.

Design & modelling

CDEGS — SES Technologies
Full module suite for earthing and electromagnetic modelling

Network analysis

Streets Distribution Designer
Safearth — network earthing analysis and design

Ground resistance

AEMC Model 6471 & Fluke 1625
Precision ground resistance and soil resistivity measurement

Field testing

Red-phase CIT equipment
High-quality current injection testing in the field

Our Services

Tell us your project requirements, and we’ll connect you with a specialist engineer suited to your needs.

0499 178 078

Engagement Models

Contract / Secondment
Resources placed on-site or hybrid, integrated with your team for the duration of the engagement.

Managed Services
GridServe manages resource delivery, accountability, and reporting as a complete end-to-end service.

Project-based
Fixed-scope engagement with defined deliverables, timelines, and measured outcomes.