AusNet (formerly AusNet Services) is one of Victoria’s five electricity distribution businesses. Its territory spans from outer eastern Melbourne through the Yarra Valley, Gippsland, and East Gippsland — a diverse area combining suburban residential markets with rural and agricultural communities.
AusNet’s Two Distribution Zones
AusNet’s Victorian electricity distribution covers two distinct geographic zones:
Zone 1 — Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne:
- Suburbs: Box Hill, Ringwood, Croydon, Lilydale, Healesville, Yarra Glen, Eltham (partly), Warrandyte, Mitcham
- Network characteristics: Suburban, well-maintained, high solar adoption in outer-eastern growth areas
- Boundary: Shares borders with Jemena (north), CitiPower (west), United Energy (south), and transitions to rural areas eastward
Zone 2 — Central and Eastern Rural Victoria:
- Areas: Upper Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Latrobe Valley (Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Churchill), Gippsland (Sale, Bairnsdale), East Gippsland (Orbost, Lakes Entrance), Mallee (Mildura area partly)
- Network characteristics: Significant geographic diversity — from suburban fringe to remote agricultural and alpine areas
- Notable: Includes some of Victoria’s longest rural feeders
Export Limits and Network Constraints
Standard limit: 5 kW single-phase for residential — consistent with all Victorian DNSPs.
Rural and Gippsland constraints: Some feeders in AusNet’s rural zone have lower hosting capacity:
- Long feeder lengths increase impedance, making voltage management more sensitive to solar injection
- Agricultural communities with variable and seasonal load profiles
- High solar adoption in farming communities (large roof areas, high daytime energy needs)
For any rural Victorian installation in AusNet’s territory, check the hosting capacity or submit the connection application early to identify any constraints before committing to a system design.
Victoria’s Solar Incentives Apply
All Victorian Solar Homes Program benefits (interest-free solar and battery loans) and VEU incentives apply equally in AusNet’s territory. See the Victoria state guide for current programme details.
Feed-in tariff: The Essential Services Commission minimum feed-in tariff applies. Some retailers offer higher rates. AusNet’s territory has the same minimum FiT as all Victorian DNSPs.
Latrobe Valley Market Opportunity
The Latrobe Valley — Traralgon, Morwell, Moe — is an emerging solar market as the region transitions away from coal-based employment and power generation. Factors driving solar uptake:
- Residents seeking to reduce electricity costs (which are significant in this area)
- State government energy transition support programmes
- Growing awareness of solar benefits as the region’s energy landscape changes
AusNet’s network in the Latrobe Valley is being upgraded to support increasing distributed energy resource integration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does AusNet serve?
Outer eastern Melbourne (Ringwood, Croydon, Lilydale) and central/eastern rural Victoria (Latrobe Valley, Gippsland, East Gippsland, Yarra Valley).
What is the export limit?
5 kW single-phase — standard across Victorian DNSPs. Some rural Gippsland feeders may have lower limits.
Are there network constraints in Gippsland?
Some rural feeders in Gippsland have hosting capacity limitations due to long cable runs. Check AusNet’s hosting capacity information before designing rural VIC installations.
Does AusNet cover the Latrobe Valley?
Yes — Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, and Churchill are in AusNet’s territory.
