Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technical Specification

We have published the new draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technical Specification for consultation with our stakeholders, particularly installers, developers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

These draft specifications provide BESS installers and owners with key technical specifications, processes, information and guidance for connecting to and interfacing with Power and Water’s low voltage power networks.

Review

We invite you to:

• review the draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technical Specification documents,
• share your comments via our feedback survey and
• ask questions you would like us to consider.

Initial consultation closes on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.

How the specifications apply

These documents apply to installers, developers, and owners of new BESS low voltage connections and modifications to existing BESS. They apply where the connection consists of a permanent BESS installation with a total inverter nameplate capacity of between 0 kVA and 2MW, with or without generation or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

The scope of these technical standards does not include:

1. photovoltaic, wind, or other generation sources connected via Integrated Energy System (IES) off-grid charging equipment
2. electric vehicle supply equipment, excluding electric vehicle supply and discharge equipment (EVSDE)
3. portable equipment.

How to provide feedback

1. Download the draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technical Specification documents and review.
2. Share your feedback and questions with us by 21 January 2026, via the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technical Specifications consultation online form.
3. Register your interest to attend the online consultation forum in February 2026 (date to be advised). We will discuss the draft specifications and address any points and concerns raised.

We collect your feedback to help improve the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technical Specifications and our stakeholder engagement. Personal information will be handled in line with our privacy policy.

Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technical Specification documents

Our consultation plan

Engaging with and consulting our stakeholders is important. We want to gather, consider, and include stakeholder feedback into our specifications. As part of our consultation, we are:

• publishing specifications and gathering feedback online. This initial stage of consultation will close on  21 January 2026.
• emailing stakeholders directly
• hosting an online consultation forum in February 2026 (date to be advised) to discuss the new specifications with stakeholders.

Once feedback is considered and where appropriate included, the updated specification will be published and come into effect in April 2026.