Embedded network terminology

Definitions of some key terms related to embedded networks.

Exempt seller

A person who is eligible to sell energy to other individuals at a premises without an authorisation from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Exempt sellers often sell electricity to customers living in embedded networks.

Authorised energy retailer

A person or company that has received an authorisation from the AER to sell energy to other individuals at a premises. These retailers mostly sell electricity to households connected to the national electricity grid through a licenced network.

Embedded network

Private electricity networks which supply multiple homes or businesses in a specific area. Examples of embedded networks include residential complexes, retirement villages, residential parks, shopping centres and office buildings. Embedded networks are connected to the National Energy Market at a single point, usually called the ‘parent connection point’. 

Licenced network

The major electricity networks in NSW are Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and TransGrid. These networks service most households in NSW. These companies are all licensed to operate by the NSW government.

Parent connection point or gate meter

The point at which the licenced network ends (Ausgrid, Essential Energy and Endeavour Energy) and the embedded network begins. The electricity meter at this point will be billed by an authorised  energy retailer to the operator of the embedded network or to another authorised energy retailer.