Network Access
The information on this webpage is designed to provide established Network Operator Switching Classes and Network Access Forms including VESI Authorisations for personnel who are required to access Victorian Distribution Networks assets.
These Classes are mutually recognised between the 5 Distribution Network Operators and meet the requirements of the Green Book which describes the Electrical Safety Rules for Victorian Distribution Networks.
Network access procedures in Victoria are established in accordance with the VESI Green Book which describes five Authority types:
- Receive Access Permits
- High Voltage Switching
- Enter Enclosures
- Make Application for, and
- Receive Sanction for Test
These Authorities allow network operators and their contractors to plan, perform and test work. For detailed information regarding network access, persons should refer to the VESI Green Book.
For specific access requirements to the Network operators please refer to the Network operator responsible person.
Committee Membership
| Network Operator | Representative | |
|---|---|---|
| AusNet | Suman Naidu (Chair) | Jamie Ilton |
| CitiPower/Powercor | Chris Philpott | |
| Jemena | Mark Gardiner | John Vasilopoulos |
| United Energy | Jamie Hatfield |
Switching
The Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) High Voltage Switching Authority Classes are agreed HV Switching classifications which are mutually recognised between Network Operators. The classifications are based on the basic principles of operating and may have restrictions placed on them by the issuing Network Operator. Such restrictions may typically be geographical or itemised plant and shall be recorded in the Network Authority section of the Australian Skills Passport. Where necessary, inductions may be undertaken by a Network Operator.
Training Modules for these Authorities can be viewed at the Skills and Training webpage.
Restricted Switching Overhead (RSO)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing, and issue electrical access authorities on:
All distribution overhead substations, ground type substations, spurs, SWER lines, SWER associated ACR’s, FuseSavers and the underground Network excluding metal enclosed switchgear.
Distribution Switching Overhead (DSO)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Distribution overhead field apparatus and the underground network excluding metal enclosed switchgear.
All Sub Transmission apparatus external to Zone Substations and Terminal Stations.
Distribution Switching (DS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Distribution field apparatus and the Underground Network including metal enclosed switchgear.
All Sub Transmission apparatus external to Zone Substations and Terminal Stations.
Zone Substation Switching (ZSS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing, issue electrical access authorities on:
All Sub Transmission and Distribution apparatus within zone substations
Terminal Switching Feeders (TSF)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing, and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Sub Transmission and Distribution controlled feeder apparatus in Terminal Stations.
Terminal Switching (TS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Transmission and Sub Transmission apparatus in Terminal Stations.
Log Books
VESI Log Books have been developed for RSO, DS, DSO and ZSS Switching. These Log Books will assist the trainee in documenting evidence of the practical (on the job) component of HV Switching to enable them to be assessed for authorisation.
The Log Books available in the links below are a sample only and are not to be used. Log Books can be requested from each Network Operator.
 | RSO example Log Book | Download |
| DSO example Log Book | Download |
| DS example Log Book | Download |
| ZSS example Log Book | Download |
| TS example Log Book | Download |
Network Access Forms
The following Network Access forms are mutually agreed by the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) to ensure consistency across all Network Operators.
The forms are a sample only and not to be used. Books of the forms can be obtained from each Network Operator.
| Application For: (an access authority) | Download |
| Application For: Permit to Work (PTW) / Statement of Isolation of Low Voltage (SILV) | Download |
| Authority to Work in the Vicinity of Electrical Apparatus and/or Mechanical Plant (VA) | Download |
| Electrical Access Permit (EAP) | Download |
| Electrical Apparatus Personnel Safety and Service Clearance (PSSC) | Download |
| Notification of Work on Apparatus (NWA) | Download |
| Permit to Work (PTW) or Statement of Isolation of Customer Low Voltage Supply (SILV) | Download |
| Permit to Work Inspection Report | Download |
| Sanction for Testing (SFT) | Download |
| Statement of condition of Apparatus – Plant | Download |
VESI Switchgear Manual
| VESI Switchgear Manual 2025 | Download |