Victorian solar network tests: October and November 2026 dates

CitiPower voltage test scheduled for 20 October

CitiPower listed a network voltage-management test for Tuesday 20 October 2026. That scheduled date has passed; this article does not confirm whether testing occurred. The test is part of work by CitiPower and Powercor to understand how their networks behave as more rooftop solar, batteries and other electric technologies are connected.

Rooftop solar has changed the way suburban electricity networks operate. Traditionally, electricity mostly travelled from the network to homes and businesses. On a sunny Melbourne afternoon, thousands of rooftop systems can instead push electricity back into the local network at the same time. That can contribute to higher local voltage.

CitiPower says the test will run for up to 60 minutes. The main network notice currently says testing will occur between 12 pm and 5 pm. Most customers should notice nothing and CitiPower says it will not turn customers' power off as part of the test.

The same CitiPower page currently contains an inconsistent time window in its FAQ, which says 10 am to 2 pm. Melbourne Solar Guide has therefore reproduced the main published window above but recommends treating the exact timing as subject to change. CitiPower also says the test can be rescheduled because of weather or other events.

Networks are required to supply customers within a regulated range of 216 to 253 volts. CitiPower says most customers should remain within that range during testing.

Could your solar inverter switch off?

Possibly. Grid-connected inverters monitor electricity-network conditions and operate within required voltage and frequency settings. If conditions move outside the permitted range, an inverter can reduce output or disconnect.

CitiPower says the effect of the voltage changes will vary by location because every part of the network behaves differently. One street might have substantial rooftop solar exporting during the day, while another has a large commercial load nearby.

If an inverter temporarily reduces output or disconnects during the test, that does not automatically mean the solar system has failed. Check the system again after the testing period. If it has returned to normal operation, the interruption may simply have been a response to network conditions.

Repeated grid-voltage faults outside the testing period are different and are worth investigating with the installer or distributor.

CitiPower backstop test scheduled for 21 October

CitiPower listed a separate emergency-backstop test for Wednesday 21 October 2026. That scheduled date has also passed. Backstop testing is different from the voltage test.

Victoria's emergency backstop allows distributors to temporarily reduce eligible rooftop solar generation when needed during rare minimum-system-load events. CitiPower and Powercor periodically test the capability to make sure affected systems respond correctly.

The test applies to affected small-scale solar systems, and combined solar and battery systems, installed or upgraded after 1 October 2024 and configured for remote reduction. During the test, an affected system may be unable to generate solar or export for up to 90 minutes. Normal electricity supply to the property should continue, and the solar system should return to normal automatically when testing finishes.

Our Victorian emergency backstop guide explains which systems are affected and how the mechanism differs from an ordinary export limit.

Powercor and United Energy have more tests coming

Emergency-backstop testing is continuing elsewhere in Victoria. United Energy lists its next test for 27 October. Powercor lists a test for 29 October. Both distributors also list another test for 5 November.

The distributors give similar advice: affected solar generation or exports may stop temporarily, but normal electricity supply should not be interrupted. Dates can move because testing depends on weather and other events, so check the distributor's current notice if an unexpected interruption occurs.

Why internet-connected inverters now matter

This is one of the less obvious changes happening to rooftop solar in Victoria. An inverter is no longer just equipment on the wall converting DC electricity from panels into AC electricity for the house and grid. Newer systems can also form part of the network's control arrangements.

Victoria's emergency-backstop requirements and the rollout of flexible solar exports rely on compatible equipment being able to communicate with electricity networks.

For new, upgraded and replacement rooftop solar systems of 200 kVA or less, CitiPower and Powercor require emergency-backstop capability, a compatible CSIP-Aus arrangement and an internet connection. United Energy has similar requirements for applicable connections.

That internet connection matters after installation too. A changed Wi-Fi password, replaced modem or disconnected gateway can affect export capability on systems that rely on network communications.

Our CSIP-Aus inverter guide explains why communications compatibility now matters when choosing equipment in Victoria.

What Melbourne solar owners should do

If your solar production behaves unexpectedly during a scheduled network test, compare the timing with your distributor's current notice before assuming the inverter has failed.

After the test period, make sure the inverter has returned to normal operation. For internet-connected systems, also check that the inverter or gateway still has a working internet connection. If generation or exports do not resume, follow the distributor's troubleshooting advice or contact your installer.

For people buying solar now, ask the installer what export arrangement applies to your address, whether the proposed inverter supports current Victorian network requirements and what happens if its internet connection is lost.

Those questions are becoming just as relevant as panel wattage and inverter size. Our Victorian solar export limits guide explains how the distribution network can affect a solar design.