If you’ve ever needed electrical work done on your property or development site in New South Wales, you’ve probably come across the terms ASP 1 and ASP 2 — but what do they actually mean, and which one do you need?
What is an ASP?
An Accredited Service Provider (ASP) is a contractor licensed by NSW’s electricity distributors to carry out specific types of electrical network work. Not all electricians are ASPs — the accreditation is separate from a standard electrical licence and requires approval from the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP).
What is a Level 1 ASP (ASP 1)?
A Level 1 ASP is accredited to work on the high-voltage distribution network itself. This includes transmission lines, zone substations, HV switching operations, and high-voltage cable jointing. ASP 1 work is carried out on behalf of the network operator and requires specialised training, equipment, and approvals.
Common ASP 1 works include:
- High-voltage switching and isolation
- 11kV to 132kV network construction and maintenance
- Substation connections and HV cable installation
- Transmission line works (330kV–500kV)
What is a Level 2 ASP (ASP 2)?
A Level 2 ASP is accredited to work on the low-voltage service network between the street main and your property’s meter board. This is the most common type of ASP work for residential and commercial developments.
Common ASP 2 works include:
- New single-phase and three-phase service connections
- Underground and overhead service line installation
- Metering and point of attachment works
- Overhead bundled cable (ABC) installation
- Pole hole drilling and pole replacement
Do I need an ASP 1 or ASP 2?
For most residential and commercial projects — a new home, a unit block, a shop fitout — you need an ASP 2. If your project involves connecting to the high-voltage network, a substation, or HV switching, you need an ASP 1.
Mackex Services holds both Level 1 and Level 2 ASP accreditations across all three NSW networks: Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, and Essential Energy.
Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.
Level 1 vs Level 2 ASP at a glance
A Level 1 ASP usually handles contestable network construction such as extending overhead or underground supply infrastructure. A Level 2 ASP connects individual premises to the network, manages metering-related service work, repairs defects, upgrades consumer mains and performs authorised disconnection or reconnection work.
- Level 1 ASP: network extensions, subdivisions, kiosk and padmount infrastructure, underground mains and larger contestable works.
- Level 2 ASP: new service connections, private power poles, defect notices, overhead service upgrades, underground service upgrades and meter-panel connection work.
- Some projects need both: commercial, industrial and multi-lot developments often require Level 1 construction before Level 2 final connection.
When to contact Mackex
Contact Mackex early if you are planning a new connection, receiving a defect notice, upgrading supply capacity, relocating a point of attachment, installing a private pole or coordinating network works with Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential Energy.
Common questions
Is a Level 2 electrician the same as a Level 2 ASP?
In NSW, the important requirement is ASP accreditation and distributor authorisation for the class of work being performed.
Can one contractor manage Level 1 and Level 2 works?
Yes, where the contractor has the right accreditations. Mackex provides both Level 1 and Level 2 ASP capability across NSW.