As South Australia's energy system continues to evolve, maintaining compliance for small embedded consumer energy resources (CER) up to 20kW for single-phase and 60kW for three-phase, remains essential to supporting a safe, reliable and secure electricity network.

To help industry stay aligned with current requirements, SA Power Networks has reviewed and updated its SEG CER Compliance Roles & Responsibilities table. The update reflects changes made since the original version was published, including the rollout of export limit and Flexible Exports compliance, along with changes to relevant industry bodies.

The revised table is intended as a practical resource informing industry and customers of their responsibilities in ensuring compliant systems — from standards setting and equipment design, through application, installation, commissioning, operation and eventual decommissioning.

Why this matters

CER compliance is fundamental to supporting the continued growth of renewables, maintaining power system security, and helping ensure positive outcomes for customers. The refreshed Roles & Responsibilities table reinforces that compliance is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a part to play.

Industry governing bodies establish and oversee the regulatory, legislative, and technical framework. This includes:

• Federal bodies such as the AEMC and AER, which establish, maintain, and enforce the National Electricity Rules
• The Clean Energy Regulator, which administers compliance for the national Renewable Energy Target Scheme
• State government and state commissions, which set and regulate jurisdictional and technical requirements
• The local regulator (OTR), which monitors and regulates safety and technical standards
• And Standards Australia and peak industry bodies, which support standards development, training, and certification.

SA Power Networks’ role includes providing and maintaining the tools and systems for applying for connections, supporting customers and industry through the installation process, and managing CER compliance for equipment connected to the grid. SA Power Networks also monitors and manages ongoing compliance during operation.

Solar retailers are responsible for:

• Educating customers on equipment suited to their needs and current standards
• Obtaining the appropriate approvals through SA Power Networks
• Ensuring installations are completed in accordance with applicable standards, including commissioning and close-out
• Managing and rectifying non-compliant installations

Installers are responsible for:

• Installing equipment that complies with electrical and network standards
• Commissioning equipment and completing the connection close-out process
• Meeting relevant safety reporting obligations

Customers also play an important role in ongoing compliance. This includes maintaining systems in line with manufacturer instructions and contractual obligations, maintaining internet connectivity for Flexible Exports sites, and ensuring any setting changes are only undertaken by an authorised installer in line with the Technical Standard. Where systems are decommissioned or ownership changes, customers are also responsible for notifying new owners of relevant obligations and arranging the appropriate disposal or recycling of equipment.

Supporting better outcomes for industry and customers

The updated Roles & Responsibilities table is designed to support a clearer understanding of who is responsible for what, and when. A shared understanding helps reduce avoidable non-compliance, improve installation quality, minimise rework and support a smoother customer experience.

SA Power Networks provides self-service tools through the Portal to support compliance and encourages industry participants to address non-compliant applications promptly, educate their teams, and seek support where needed.

Need to get in touch?

For further information, please contact the Customer Service Team:

• Phone: 13 12 61 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm),
• Email: customerservice@sapowernetworks.com.au

• Online: Contact us via our online form