Decommissioning and returning assets

Authorised Accredited Service Providers may be required to decommission and return one or more Ausgrid assets as part of an approved network augmentation. Any distribution system assets decommissioned as part of an asset relocation remain the property of Ausgrid.  Ausgrid will advise the applicant / ASP1 to return or dispose of decommissioned assets (in accordance with all relevant legislative requirements).  The applicant / ASP1 is responsible for the costs associated with the return or safe disposal of redundant assets.

The steps to returning assets are outlined below. 

Step 1: Confirm the assets to be returned

The Authorised Accredited Service Provider (ASP/1) should advise Ausgrid of the equipment being returned. To return assets to Ausgrid stores contact Ausgrid at ASPreturns@ausgrid.com.au to arrange a suitable location and date for the return.

When preparing a return to store email please provide the type and quantity of equipment to be returned, and in addition;

a) when returning a transformer include the Ausgrid serial number (T number)

b) when returning substations (including pole transformers) include

• the Ausgrid substation number
• the Ausgrid substation address
• the type of substation (chamber transformer, kiosk etc.)
• an oil report (emailed as well as a copy attached to the equipment)
• your Ausgrid contact name i.e. Compliance Officer.

Step 2: Prepare the assets for return

Preparation of gas filled switchgear

• Ausgrid Substation HV switchgear and pole mounted switchgear (i.e. Line Reclosers & Enclosed Load Break Switches) can be of a gas filled (SF6) design. Where gas filled network equipment is to be recovered such as gas filled Ring Main Units etc, the equipment must be returned complete to Ausgrid.
• The gas should not be vented as part of its removal. For clarification on what equipment may contain gas please contact your respective Ausgrid Contestable Project Coordinator.

Handling of PCBS

• Equipment manufactured prior to 1997 may contain PCBs. The presence of PCBs can be confirmed either by contacting the Ausgrid Compliance Officer to check, or via an oil test undertaken at a laboratory NATA accredited for sampling PCBs in oil.
• If equipment has not been tested or cannot be tested, the equipment must be assumed to contain Scheduled PCBs.
• If PCBs are identified, then additional handling and transport requirements will apply. Refer to NS174C Environmental Handbook for Construction and Maintenance for these requirements.
• Recovered L & K type kiosks are to be returned to Ausgrid assembled complete including concrete bases for L kiosks and all internal parts, Ausgrid will inspect on delivery for any damage or shortages including fuses/fuse holders and any missing or damaged components will be charged to the ASP.

Handling of asbestos

• If the equipment is suspected of containing asbestos containing materials, they must be removed where reasonably practicable onsite in accordance with the WHS Regulations & relevant Codes of Practice and disposed of in accordance with the current regulatory requirements for the disposal of asbestos before returning the equipment to Ausgrid. For clarification on what equipment may contain asbestos please contact your respective Ausgrid Contestable Project Coordinator for a copy of the asbestos register. Asbestos removal documentation and proof of disposal must be provided to Ausgrid.

Step 3: Delivering to Ausgrid

Equipment must be returned complete to Ausgrid. We will advise you of the unloading requirements at the designated return location. If Ausgrid lifting equipment is available to off load returned assets then Ausgrid will assist. If the return location has no Ausgrid equipment available then you will need to arrange the necessary unloading equipment and labour.