A Level 2 electrician is a licensed electrician who holds additional accreditation to carry out specific work on the power supply between the electricity network and a property. This can include work involving the service line, point of attachment, consumer mains and metering, depending on the provider’s accreditation. In the Northern Rivers, the electricity distribution network is operated by Essential Energy, and an appropriately accredited service provider is required for specified work on the network connection.
Electric East Electricians is an Essential Energy Accredited Level 2 ASP working across Ballina, Lismore and the surrounding Northern Rivers.
What Is a Level 2 Electrician, Exactly?
In NSW, the electricity network operator accredits service providers to carry out defined categories of work associated with the electricity distribution network. A Level 2 ASP holds additional accreditation for specific connection and supply work, which can include service connections, metering and consumer mains.
The different ASP levels relate to different scopes of network work rather than seniority:
- Level 1: Network construction work, including certain overhead and underground network infrastructure.
- Level 2: Service connections and other specified work connecting a property to the electricity network.
- Level 3: Network design work rather than physical connection work on site.
A general electrical licence still applies to electrical wiring work, and NSW requires electrical wiring work to be completed by appropriately licensed electricians, regardless of the cost or type of the job. Level 2 accreditation sits on top of the relevant electrical licence; it does not replace it.
What Does a Level 2 ASP Electrician Do?
A Level 2 ASP handles specific work associated with the physical connection between the Essential Energy network and a property, along with the applications and notifications required for that work. The exact scope depends on the provider’s accreditation and the job involved.
Common Level 2 work can include:
- Metering: New meter installations, meter upgrades, smart meter changeovers and relocations when a switchboard moves.
- Consumer mains: Installing or replacing the overhead or underground cable that runs from the connection point to the switchboard.
- Point of attachment: Disconnecting and reconnecting the service line where required so roofers, painters, builders or tree crews can work safely.
- Supply and load upgrades: Single-phase to three-phase conversions and supply increases for higher-demand equipment.
- New property connections: First-time supply for new builds, subdivisions, sheds and secondary dwellings.
- Private poles and pillars: Installing and repairing privately owned poles and meter pillars, including those found on acreage and rural properties.
- Temporary builders’ power: Metered site supply for construction before the permanent connection is available.
- Defect notice rectification: Repairing network-related faults identified on an Essential Energy defect notice where the work falls within the ASP’s accreditation.
The paperwork is part of the job too. Where required, connection applications, notifications and network liaison can be handled as part of the Level 2 work. This means Level 2 ASP work can be managed as part of one scope rather than splitting the electrical and supply-side work between separate contractors.
When Do You Need a Level 2 Electrician?
The key consideration is whether the job involves work on the property’s connection to the electricity network. Where work falls within a Level 2 ASP category, an appropriately accredited provider is required to complete that part of the job.
Connecting Power to a New Build or Subdivision
A new home, granny flat, shed or subdivided lot may require Level 2 work before the property can be connected to the electricity network. Depending on the project, the ASP can handle the relevant connection work and coordinate the network requirements alongside the builder’s program.
Storm Damage to the Service Line or Point of Attachment
Northern Rivers storms and floods can damage service lines and points of attachment. Where the damage involves work covered by Level 2 accreditation, an appropriately accredited ASP may need to repair the connection before power can be safely restored.
Meter Upgrades and Three-Phase Conversions
Adding ducted air conditioning, workshop equipment, irrigation systems or a fast EV charger can increase a property’s electrical demand. If the project requires a three-phase conversion, metering change or other supply-side upgrade, Level 2 work may form part of the job even though the new circuits inside the property are general electrical work.
An Essential Energy Defect Notice
A defect notice identifies an electrical issue that needs to be rectified. Where the defect involves the service line, point of attachment, consumer mains, metering or another component covered by Level 2 accreditation, an appropriately accredited provider can complete the required Level 2 work and manage the relevant network requirements.
Temporary Disconnection for Building Work
Re-roofing, second-storey additions and tree removal near a service line can require the power supply to be temporarily disconnected and reconnected. Booking the required work with an ASP before other trades arrive on site can help keep the project moving.
Level 2 ASP Electrician vs a Standard Electrician
Both are licensed electricians. The difference is that a Level 2 ASP holds additional accreditation to carry out specified work associated with the network connection.
| Work | Standard licensed electrician | Level 2 ASP |
|---|---|---|
| Power points, lighting, switchboard circuits | Yes | Yes |
| Fault finding and repairs inside the property | Yes | Yes |
| Service line, point of attachment, consumer mains | No | Yes |
| Meter installation, upgrade or relocation | No | Yes |
| New network connection or supply upgrade | No | Yes |
| Clearing a network defect notice | No | Yes |
Plenty of jobs cross the line between general electrical and Level 2 work. A switchboard upgrade may identify that consumer mains or other supply-side work is also required, while an EV charger installation may require a supply assessment or upgrade before installation. Where one team holds both the electrical licence and Level 2 accreditation, both parts of the job can be coordinated together.
How to Check a Level 2 ASP’s Accreditation
Level 2 accreditation covers specific categories of work, so it is worth confirming that the provider holds the appropriate accreditation before work begins.
Three useful questions to ask are:
- Which electricity network is the provider accredited to work with?
- Which Level 2 categories does their accreditation cover?
- Who will handle any connection applications, notifications or network coordination required for the job?
Electric East Electricians is accredited with Essential Energy, is a NECA member, and carries out Level 2 work for customers across Ballina, Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers service area.
Talk to an Accredited Level 2 ASP in the Northern Rivers
If a builder, real estate agent or Essential Energy has told you that the job needs a Level 2 electrician, Electric East Electricians can assess what is being connected and explain what work is required.
Electric East Electricians is Essential Energy accredited and can handle both everyday electrical and Level 2 supply work. Free written quotes and upfront pricing are available, along with 24/7 emergency callouts for urgent electrical problems.
Not sure whether your job needs a Level 2 electrician? Call Electric East Electricians on 0467 412 232 to discuss the work required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 2 electrician?
A Level 2 electrician is a licensed electrician with additional network accreditation that allows them to carry out specified work associated with the connection between a property and the electricity network. This can include service lines, points of attachment, consumer mains and metering, depending on the provider’s accreditation.
What does a Level 2 ASP electrician do that a normal electrician cannot?
A Level 2 ASP electrician can carry out specific network and supply-side work covered by their accreditation. This can include connecting and disconnecting supply, certain metering work, consumer mains, supply upgrades and network-related defect rectification.
A standard licensed electrician can handle general electrical installation and repair work but requires the relevant additional accreditation for work that falls within the Level 2 ASP scheme.
Do I need a Level 2 electrician to upgrade my switchboard?
Not always. A switchboard replacement can involve general electrical work, but Level 2 involvement may be required if the job also affects the consumer mains, meter, service connection or other supply-side components. Having one team assess both parts can help determine the full scope before work begins.
How do I get power connected to a new house in NSW?
Connecting a new property can involve both general electrical installation work and Level 2 connection work. An appropriately accredited Level 2 ASP can handle the Level 2 component and coordinate the relevant network requirements. Booking the electrical connection early can also help it fit into the wider building program.
What happens if I ignore an Essential Energy defect notice?
A defect notice identifies an issue that needs to be rectified. The notice should not be ignored, and the type of electrician required will depend on the nature of the defect. Where the required work falls within Level 2 accreditation, an appropriately accredited ASP can complete that part of the rectification and manage the relevant network requirements.
How much does Level 2 electrical work cost?
The cost depends on the scope of the work, site access, and whether overhead, underground, metering or other electrical work is involved. Contact Electric East Electricians for an accurate quote, with pricing confirmed before work begins.