NSW/ACT BRANCH
the temporary removal and reinstallation of utilities and other services that may be located on the outside of buildings.
ASP SCHEME REVIEW UPDATE
To register for project updates on the Department of Customer Service’s website: www.bit.ly/nswremediate
Recently the NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) initiated a review of the Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Scheme. They released an issues paper with twenty-five specific questions relating to many facets of the scheme review.
State Budget boom for electrical work The NSW State Budget 2021/22 confirmed a range of major projects and initiatives that will help secure a strong pipeline of electrical contracting work. Billions of dollars continue to flow for rail, road and transport projects alongside new schools, hospitals and social housing investment. The government has also committed heavily to the advancement of renewables and emerging technology including electric vehicle subsidies. Establishing five Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in the Central-West Orana, New England South-West, Hunter-Central Coast and Illawarra regions is expected to unlock $20.7 billion of private sector energy investment and more than 5,000 construction jobs in regional NSW.
The review is all encompassing and is looking at ways to improve the contestable connection experience for customers, ASPs and Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) in NSW. In preparing our submission, NECA sought members’ input via a number of avenues including surveys, meetings with ASP and DPIE representatives, and a subcommittee made up of a range of ASPs. Some of the key areas of NECA’s submission were: Introduction of an independent Improved dispute resolution electrical regulator for NSW; pathways for ASPs; Elimination of duplication Broadening the scope of contestable across DPIE and DNSPs; works to include sub-transmission works, vegetation management and Grading of ASP/3s; installation of temporary insulation; Network access for electrically Streamlined accreditation processes trained ASP/3s; for ASPs and their employees; and Acknowledged pathways for the next The addition of duplicated DNSP generation of power distribution processes in accreditation processes. workers through the ASP Scheme; The submission was submitted on Friday 20 August. The next step will be circulation of a position paper in the coming months, highlighting the proposed new accreditation scheme. A link to the Issues Paper can be found at energy.nsw.gov.au/asp-scheme-review
