Your responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for engaging a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) to design a compliant connection arrangement that meets the requirements of the Victorian Service and Installation Rules (VSIR).

As the licensed electricity distributor, Jemena’s role is to provide electricity to a compliant point of supply and ensure new and altered connections meet the applicable requirements before a connection can proceed.

Jemena is not responsible for designing the customer’s electrical installation or determining the metering arrangement beyond the point of supply. This responsibility sits with the customer’s REC.

If a compliant arrangement cannot be achieved

If your REC cannot reasonably design an arrangement that complies with the VSIR due to engineering constraints, they should first consult with their Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) to identify a compliant solution.

If a suitable solution still cannot be identified, the REC or LEI can contact Jemena’s Compliance Team to discuss the issue:

Compliance Team

• • • Phone: 1300 855 824 (8.00 am to 10.00 am)
    • Email: compliance@jemena.com.au

Requesting a VSIR exemption

If a suitable compliant solution cannot be determined, the REC may submit a VSIR exemption request for Jemena to consider.

Please note:

• • • Exemptions are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
    • Requests must be completed and submitted by a licensed REC.
    • Reasons relating solely to cost, aesthetics, time or convenience are not considered grounds for an exemption.
    • The request must clearly identify the relevant VSIR clause number and explain the reason(s) an exemption is being requested.

VSIR exemption requests are reviewed by Jemena’s compliance engineers.

Assessment timeframes

Allow a minimum of two weeks for assessment once all required information has been provided.

More complex requests may take longer and, in some cases, several months. Exemption requests should therefore be submitted well before construction commences or the electricity connection is required.

How to apply

Your REC can complete the VSIR Exemption Request Form and submit the application to Jemena. When submitting the request, please ensure the relevant VSIR clause number and the reasons for requesting the exemption are clearly stated.

Completed forms should be sent to:

Customer Relations
customerrelations@jemena.com.au

Confirmation of an approved exemption

If a VSIR exemption is approved, formal written approval will be issued by Jemena’s Compliance Team on Jemena letterhead. A VSIR exemption is not approved unless this formal written approval has been issued.

The approval letter must be retained on site for reference and made available when required.