Pre-application

Optional early engagement support service, prior to Application

Pre-application is an optional support service. It isn’t required under the National Electricity Rules (NER) but can deliver significant benefits for your project.

AEMO recommends considering Pre-application after you receive your Connection Enquiry Response.

Pre-application supports early collaboration as it helps embed AEMO system security considerations into plant and control design. While AEMO’s involvement at this stage is not mandatory under the NER, early engagement can streamline the process and reduce delays. It aims to:

• Improve efficiency: Identify issues early to minimise rework after submission.
• Increase certainty: Provide early clarity on connection requirements.
• Improve design outcomes: Integrate system security considerations into the plant design.

Benefits:

• Assess viability and prepare a complete application, reducing rework, unexpected costs and delays.
• Identify early issues that may affect connection arrangements and equipment/technology choices, minimising later rework.
• Access AEMO expertise and cross-project learnings early to problem-solve and agree on solutions that meet system security requirements.
• Confirm requirements sooner before finalising design, procurement, budget, timelines and Financial Investment Decision.
• Reduce lead-time risk by supporting earlier ordering of long-lead equipment, with clearer visibility of plant design changes needed to meet system security requirements.

Pre-application is available through optional packages. Scope is agreed by you, the NSP and AEMO before work starts and forms the service contract, ensuring cost and resources are managed efficiently.

For package details and applicability, refer to the Pre-application Support Services Guideline.