SA Power Networks plans to trial Flexible Exports for select Medium Embedded Generation (MEG) customers to maximise their opportunity to export energy to the grid. Find out more about the offer and who will be eligible to participate.

Flexible Exports trial is planned for Medium Embedded Generation (MEG) systems to help support more solar

Building on the success of the Flexible Exports trial for small embedded generation (SEG) customers (under 30kVA), we plan to introduce a Flexible Exports trial for MEG customers (31-200kVA). The trial aims to test the technology, systems and processes and inform our plans to make Flexible Exports a standard connection option for MEG applications. 

What is the Flexible Exports option?

Some parts of our electricity distribution network are reaching their maximum capacity to host solar exports at certain times when energy demand is low (e.g. mild, sunny days in spring). This means some MEG applications are required to have fixed export limits that apply year-round, with the option to pay for network upgrades to enable more export.  

Flexible Exports is an alternative to these options and allows compatible smart inverters to access a variable export limit that automatically adjusts to the export capacity of the local network throughout the day.  

What is the trial offer? 

The Flexible Exports trial option will be offered to connection applications for MEG systems (31-200kVA) that are identified as export constrained during the connection assessment. SA Power Networks will identify suitable applicants and contact the customer directly with an option to participate in the trial. 

Trial customers will have access to export up to the capacity of their system the majority of the time, with exports being restricted only at rare times of network constraint. To enable this, the customer will need to install compatible equipment and ensure the system has a reliable internet connection. 

Benefits of Flexible Exports 

• Customers traditionally limited to low or zero export, will be able to export the majority of the time.
• Greater exports mean more low-cost, renewable energy is available in South Australia. 
• Helps maximise the utilisation of the distribution network. 
• Supports continued distributed energy resource (DER) uptake, contributing to the growth of the solar industry. 

Next steps 

A key enabler for the trial is the availability of Flexible Exports-compatible inverters that are suitable for MEG installations. We are currently liaising with technology providers with an aim to commence the trial in mid-2023. We will provide more detailed information as we progress. 

Our plan to trial Flexible Exports for MEG systems is part of our vision to improve our connection processes and provide the best experience for customers. This includes: 

• The introduction of SmartApply and SmartInstall for MEG connections from April 2022
• The recent exemption granted from the Office of Technical Regulator to Network Protection Unit for clustered SEG systems 
• Our plan to introduce Flexible Exports trial for clustered SEG systems  

How can I find out more information? 

On 16 February, we held a free industry webinar covering the Flexible Exports rollout, which also included information on Flexible Exports trial for medium embedded generators and Q&A components. 

View the Flexible Exports webinar recording below.

Once we know more details, we will update our Flexible Exports section of the website and will let you know what’s happening through our industry communication including The Fuse and Notice to Industry. Subscribe to our industry updates. 

Contact the New Energy Services team:

• by phone on 13 12 61 (select 2) during office hours (Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm)
• or email newenergyservices@sapowernetworks.com.au