EEA is updating guides to reflect changes to the regulated low voltage range

Like any new regulation, there will be a transitional period before the changes are enforced, which allows time for industry to develop new guidance, systems, and processes.  As an interim, members are recommended to follow the current Australian settings in AS4777 until the standard is updated.

The EEA’s role in this includes reviewing and updating all impacted EEA guides to ensure they are aligned with these changes.  This includes updating the Low Voltage Connection Technical Guidance to provide practical direction on applying the new limits and how they interact with inverter settings, and compliance with AS/NZS 4777.1 and 4777.2.

We will also work with the ENA on implementation to ensure consistency and alignment across the sector, and we will hold a webinar at the appropriate time to ensure wide understanding about the impact of the changes.  Our timeframes are below, and in the meantime, we recommend you exercise caution when relying on guides that may be impacted, particularly old hard copies.  Check with us when you need to.

Once our updates are complete, we’ll send out another reminder to replace old hard copies and only rely on 2026+ versions.

We will consult on the updated guidance in two tranches:

1. November 2025 – Consultation on guidance for low-voltage (residential and non-residential) connections
2. Early 2026 – Consultation on guidance for medium-voltage connections

The EEA Technical Guidelines Steering Group is responsible for consultation and publication including receiving and reviewing feedback then finalising the guidance.

These updates form part of the broader Streamlining Connections work programme. Additional guidance — including that specific to high-voltage connections and other related topics — will also be reviewed and released for consultation over time. The staggered approach ensures people have time to engage properly with the material and enables us to prepare and publish guidance for the new low-voltage connections as quickly as possible.

Please contact Stuart Johnston if you have any questions about the LV guidance or how the new ±10% voltage limits interact with inverter settings and compliance requirements.

Inverter settings and the proposed standardised approach

In a related consultation the Electricity Authority (EA) is proposing a default 10 kW export limit for small-scale generation.  The proposed Code change says:
“A distributor must require a distributed generator that injects electricity at low voltage to use an inverter that is compliant with and applies the ‘Australia A’ inverter settings specified in AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 incorporating Amendments No. 1 and 2.”

This is a proposal, and the details may change in response to submissions.  In developing our guidance, the EEA will reference the ‘Australia A’ settings as a starting point to maintain alignment with AS/NZS 4777.2 and the EA’s current proposal, noting these remain subject to change following consultation.

The Technical Guidelines Steering Group, in consultation with the wider industry, will decide on the final guidance taking into consideration whether to align fully with the Australian profile or adapt it for New Zealand conditions — particularly around voltage management, inverter interoperability, and the evolving export-limit methodologies.

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