Installing or altering electricity supply to your property

If you need a new electricity connection to your property or want to change or upgrade the one you already have, you may need help from an Accredited Service Provider (ASP).

An ASP is a qualified electrician who is authorised to carry out certain types of electrical works, such as connecting, disconnecting or changing the power supply between your home and the electricity network.

This page explains when you need an ASP, what the process usually looks like and how to find a provider who can do the job.

When you might need an Accredited Service Provider

Making changes to your electricity supply

• To increase the amount of power your home can use at once, for example if you want to add an EV charger or other large appliances.
• Permanently disconnecting or reconnecting electrical supply.
• Changing how your property connects to the electricity network, for example switching from overhead power lines to an underground connection. 

Building or renovating

• New home builds and knock-down rebuilds.
• Changes that need a new or temporary power connection.
• Subdivisions or granny flats that need separate connections. 

Relocating or impacting parts of the electricity network

• Moving or adjusting power lines that run above your property.
• Putting power lines underground to improve the service and make it safer.
• Relocating equipment on or near your property, such as poles, wires or electrical pillars (the small roadside boxes that help connect properties to the network). 

Having issues with your service line

• Damage to the power lines that run between the street and your home.
• Private power poles on your property that need to be inspected or replaced.
• Safety concerns with the electrical supply on your property, whether the cables run above ground or underground. 

Only ASPs can carry out this work in NSW under the Electricity Supply Act 1995. This helps ensure work is done safely, correctly and to the required standards.

What an ASP does

Depending on the work needed, an ASP will:

• talk with you about what you need and what might be involved
• visit your property to check your current setup and see what changes are needed
• provide a quote for the work so you can decide whether to go ahead
• prepare any plans or designs needed for more complex work
• work with your electricity distributor (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential Energy) to keep them updated on the work
• carry out the electrical work, which could include:
  • new or altered service lines
  • connection or energisation of new supply
  • temporary builder’s supply
  • relocation of network assets
• organise approvals, inspections or planned outages to complete the job safely.

Not all ASPs can do every type of job. They have different accreditation levels (Level 1, 2 or 3), and each level allows them to carry out different kinds of electrical work.

Your ASP will be able to explain what work they are authorised to do based on their level. You can also read more about the levels on the Accredited Service Provider Scheme webpage.

Tips for engaging an ASP

To get the best outcome:

1. Find providers and get multiple quotes

Use the ASP List to search for providers in your area and view their profiles. We recommend getting written quotes from at least three ASPs so you can compare costs and services.

2. Check the provider is accredited for your job

ASPs have different accreditation levels (Level 1, 2 or 3). Each level covers different types of work.

Before you request quotes, check what level your job requires. This information is listed in our guidance on the ASP Scheme page. Then use the ASP List to make sure any provider you contact holds the right level for your job.

3. Ask what approvals are needed

Some work must be approved or inspected by your electricity distributor. Your ASP should tell you what approvals are required and organise them for you.

4. Confirm who will deal with your electricity distributor

Most ASPs will manage the process with Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential Energy on your behalf. Check if your ASP handles this so you know who is doing what.

5. Understand timelines and any power outages

Ask how long the job will take and whether your power will need to be turned off. If outages affect neighbours or tenants, your ASP should help you arrange permission.