CSIP-AUS and Dynamic Connections
Better for Consumers. Better for the Grid.
CSIP-AUS and Dynamic Connections
Power utilities across Australia are facing common challenges associated with the rise of rooftop solar, increased peak demand, and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
CSIP-AUS (Common Smart Inverter Profile - Australia) is the national standard for dynamic management of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in the grid, based on the IEEE 2030.5 communications protocol to guarantee interoperability and secure communication.
IEEE 2030.5 Protocol
Establishes encrypted, bi-directional telemetry and automated controls between power utilities and behind-the-meter energy systems.
Combined Energy EMU Gateway
The Combined Energy EMU (Energy Management Unit) is a CSIP-AUS Compliant Gateway currently approved by DNSPs for DER control in all states with mandatory and voluntary CSIP-AUS requirements.
A single EMU can coordinate any number of compatible solar/battery inverters and EV chargers at a site to comply with dynamic import and export limits.
At sites where net metering is required, the EMU can use data from an existing inverter power meter or a dedicated Combined Energy Power Meter.
Key Features of CSIP-AUS
Dynamic connection management balances consumer generation and consumption needs with grid stability in real time.
Dynamic Export
SA & QLDAllows power utilities to give solar owners higher average export limits, with flexible curtailment only during critical minimum-demand events.
Dynamic Import
QLDEnables power utilities to manage total customer grid draw by dynamically moderating high-power loads like EV chargers during grid strain.
Solar Emergency Backstop
VICProvides a rapid emergency mechanism for utilities and AEMO to temporarily disconnect rooftop solar during extreme low-demand periods.
EV Load Control
QLDEnables networks to schedule or throttle Level 2 EV charging sessions to safeguard local distribution infrastructure during peak hours.
CSIP-AUS in Australia
Power utilities across Australia are adopting CSIP-AUS, collaborating to determine the best pathways for managing dynamic distributed grid connections.
Queensland Requirements
Queensland has introduced a voluntary CSIP-AUS pathway enabling solar owners to install larger solar PV systems provided they are under Dynamic Export control. Without CSIP-AUS control, new PV systems are limited to 1.5kW and will be assigned a conservative fixed export limit. Additionally, all Level 2 EV Chargers installed in Queensland require a CSIP-AUS connection for utility EV Load Control.
Victoria Requirements
All Solar PV systems approved for installation, upgrade or replacement in VIC from 1 October 2024 must be enabled for emergency backstop using CSIP-AUS. The emergency backstop will be used by AEMO to protect the grid during extreme “minimum demand” events by temporarily turning off customers' solar PV.
- •Data connection to inverter (PLC / Ethernet)
- •Access to a net power meter
- •Internet connection to DNSP server
- •Single gateway control for multiple inverters
South Australia Requirements
All exporting solar PV systems installed in South Australia must be enabled for Dynamic Export control under CSIP-AUS. The Combined Energy EMU is a fully compliant CSIP-AUS Gateway approved for SA Power Networks (SAPN).
- •Data connection to inverter (PLC / Ethernet)
- •Access to a net power meter
- •SAPN server integration & telemetry
- •Multi-brand simultaneous management
Supported Connection Configurations
A single Combined Energy EMU gateway adapts to diverse on-site electrical topologies, providing compliant dynamic coordination across inverters, power meters, and chargers.
Single inverter with inverter meter
Individual solar inverters can be managed by a CSIP-AUS Gateway based on net meter data supplied by the inverter's own integrated meter.
Multiple inverters with net power meter
Multiple solar inverters can be managed concurrently by a single CSIP-AUS Gateway and dedicated net power meter, simplifying multi-inverter sites.
Direct gateway EV management
Any number of EV Chargers can be installed and actively moderated provided they are managed directly by a single CSIP-AUS Gateway.
Dynamic import with net meter
EV chargers can be indirectly throttled or scheduled via Dynamic Import rules when a site net meter measures total grid consumption in real time.
Combined solar PV and EV chargers
For sites with a combination of solar PV and EV chargers, a single CSIP-AUS Gateway provides synchronized Dynamic Export and Dynamic Import control simultaneously.
Supported Inverters and Devices
Use our compatibility tool to verify if Combined Energy is an approved CSIP-AUS provider for your specific inverter model and local electricity distributor.
The CET EMU manages multiple supported devices concurrently.
CSIP-AUS guidelines mandate a single CSIP-AUS Gateway for sites with multiple inverters or EV chargers requiring flexible export and import management.
Want to find out more?
Download our brochure to learn about our CSIP-AUS implementation, or get in touch with our engineering team.