2025 has been a big year in energy, especially when it comes to consumer energy resources (CER) like solar and batteries. Let's take stock of some of the changes that have happened this year, and peek ahead to what's on SA Power Networks' agenda for 2026.

2025 Highlights 

Flexible exports roll-out 

Flexible Exports is now available to new and upgrading solar customers around the state, including areas served by a single wire return earth (SWER) service. Check our notice to industry published in June for all the details, including installation and compliance requirements. Since the beginning of the Flexible Exports roll-out in July 2023 we have seen exceptionally positive responses from both customers and the solar industry, with more than 88% of eligible customers choosing Flexible Exports compared to a lower fixed export limit.

SWER allowances doubled

Customers on SWER lines have historically only been able to install up to 5kVA of solar capacity and 5kVA of battery capacity. In a change to our generation connection standard TS129, SWER customers are now eligible for a limit of 10kVA installed solar and 10kVA battery capacity. Solar energy exports in SWER areas may be limited more than other customers; however, customers can still make the most of their systems by self-consuming the power generated on-site. 

TS129 updates 

While we’re talking about generation connection standards, other changes implemented in SA Power Networks’ TS129 from July 2025 include: 

• Removal of interface protection requirement for Medium Embedded Generation systems under 200kVA 
• Capping the size of single-phase inverters able to be installed on a multiphase site to 5kVA 

These changes were made to make our technical standards consistent with Australian Standard 4777 for inverters, which was announced in August 2024 and came into effect in February 2025. Learn more about AS4777 updates on the Standards Australia website.  

Annual Smarter Homes check

In August, SA Power Networks conducted its Annual Smarter Homes Solar Curtailment Test. A test of our ability to temporarily curtail rooftop solar generation. This is a function we may be directed to perform by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) if the electricity system is facing a security emergency. 

This once-a-year exercise is like a fire drill for the grid. It simulates a rare but urgent situation so we can confirm that all systems and people are ready to respond if an actual emergency occurs.  

This year, we were able to test this capability on 65,000 sites. In good news, only 0.6% of sites that were disconnected failed to reconnect. This is a great outcome, in particular for all the relevant agents and tech providers whose responsiveness with reporting and troubleshooting enabled us all to get those failed systems back online.

Compliance still a key focus

CER Compliance is still high on our agenda, as it should be on yours too! It’s great to see overall compliance of CER installs sitting at 94%, but we are still seeing some recurring issues with certain installers or sites. If you are having any issues with non-compliant sites, or have any questions about what compliance requirements apply to you, you can visit our website or contact us directly for support. 

Commercial & industrial flexible connections now available 

SA Power Networks’ 2025-30 Connection Policy formally introduces the concept of a ‘flexible connection’ for major connections for the first time. A Flexible Connection is a connection option where a customer keeps their site’s net flexible imports and exports within time-varying network limits. In return, SA Power Networks offers lower augmentation charges and lower ongoing tariffs designed to reward this flexibility. 

So far, most customers opting for a flexible connection are solar and battery, or battery-only customers, as this type of flexibility may naturally suit the way they already operate. Over time, we will be refining our flexible connection offerings and we expect more varied customer types may choose flexible load for their commercial or industrial sites. To learn more, visit our Flexible Connections web page. 

2026: What’s next? 

Looking ahead at the last few months of the year, we’re not slowing down! There’s lots of work happening behind the scenes to review our current standards and offerings for CER customers, ready for enhancements next year. 

Some of the topics at the top of our agenda include… 

Reviewing small embedded generation (SEG) and medium embedded generation (MEG) offerings

Currently, generation below 30kVA installed capacity is considered ‘small embedded generation’, and anything above this falls into our ‘medium’ category. 

We understand this is limiting for some customers; for example those looking to add an additional battery inverter and needing to go down the more expensive and detailed path of a MEG installation. We’re reviewing the threshold between SEG and MEG, with the aim of better reflecting what customers are now installing at their homes and businesses. Our review is ongoing, but you can expect to hear more from us about these changes over the coming months. 

At the same time, we’re looking at implementing Flexible Exports for MEG sites. Installers already working on SEGs will be familiar with the Flexible Export offering and process. While there may be some additional requirements for MEGs, we aim to be as consistent as possible to make this change straightforward for industry and customers alike. Stay tuned for more information in the new year. 

Insights for Flexible Export customers 

In exciting news for customers, we are building the functionality for them to view the Flexible Export limits that are being sent from SA Power Networks to their inverters. 

This transparency will remove the guesswork for customers who want to understand how often their exports need to be curtailed, and by how much. We will also have a view for installers to be able to monitor their customers’ sites (with permission, of course). 

Thank you

Finally, we’d like to say a big thank you to the energy industry, in particular our CER retailers and installers for your support and feedback along the way. Thanks to your hard work, there are now over 350,000 homes with solar and almost 60,000 homes with batteries in South Australia, with every single one contributing to building a better energy future for our state. By working together, we can ensure South Australia continues to lead the world in renewable energy uptake and integration, while continuing to keep the system secure. 

 

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