Home Grid Connections › Generator Connection Service (R0, R1) › Model Validation and Hold Point (R2) › Connection Application Due Diligence › Grid Connection Project Management Experience Consulting › Data Centre Power Supply Feasibility Studies › Red-Flag Reports › Power System Modelling Capabilities › Grid Connections Project Management › Due Diligence and Project Owner’s Engineering › Synchronous Generators (Hydro, Gas) › Gas Generators › Solar › BESS › Wind › SVC and STATCOM › Volt-VAr Control Optimisation › Secondary Systems › Secondary System Asset Management › Power System Strength › Power System Harmonics › Special Protection and Control Schemes Training Courses About Us › Our Team › John Wright-Smith › Dr Tuan Vu › Dr Alan Lee › Dr Brian Tan References Contact
Australian Power Systems Specialists

Volt-VAr Control
Power Systems
Consulting & Training

Expert consulting and specialised training in grid connections, reactive power control, voltage stability, FACTS devices and renewable energy integration, backed by more than 85 years of combined experience across the NEM and internationally.

Specialist Services
Connections, Modelling and Reactive Power Control
Technologies and asset classes
Data CentreSynchronous Generators (Hydro, Gas) Gas GeneratorsSolar BESSWind SVCSTATCOM
Power System Modelling Capabilities
Grid Connections Project Management
Due Diligence and Project Owner's Engineering
Combined Experience
85+ years
Specialisations
7 Areas
SVC Response
< 20 ms
Delivery
AU + Intl
Clients include: Powerlink QLD Energy Queensland ElectraNet Western Power
85+
Years Combined Experience
7
Consulting Specialisations
3
Training Programs
AU+
International Delivery

Connection, Modelling and Planning Advisory

Integrated technical advisory for generator, storage and large load connections across the NEM, from early feasibility through to R2 model validation and commissioning.

Stage R0 / R1
Generator Connection Service
Full connection study package for solar, wind, BESS, synchronous generation and large loads, from input data review through to submission-ready reports.
  • Preliminary design, single line diagrams, cable schedules and NSP data packs
  • PowerFactory model development and SMIB models in PSS/E and PSCAD
  • S5.2.5.1 PQ capability curve, S5.2.5.2 harmonics, S5.2.8 short circuit, S5.2.5.12 steady state
  • S5.2.5.3 and S5.2.5.4 voltage and frequency protection, S5.2.5.5 contingency studies
  • RUGs, DMATs and benchmarking reports, Voltage Control Strategy, Power System Datasheet
Stage R2
Model Validation and Hold Point Testing
Disciplined R2 validation that gets models accepted, supported by clear hold point evidence and reporting that NSPs and AEMO can sign off.
  • R2 testing programs and detailed test procedure documentation
  • Hold point recorded data captured and returned in CSV
  • SMIB dynamic studies with overlay plotting and error bands
  • Droop, rise time and settling time calculations
  • R1 model validation against as-built plant performance
Due Diligence
Connection Application Due Diligence
Independent review of a connection application package before it goes to the NSP or AEMO, so avoidable rework does not cost you a submission cycle.
  • Completeness review against the AEMO connection checklist
  • Rapid review of RUGs, Voltage Control Strategy, DMATs and benchmarking
  • PSDS and CSR verification
  • Independent steady state and dynamic study replication
  • Issue tracker and submitted plots returned to the client
Planning
Curtailment and Congestion Risk
Forecast, planning and network data analysed together to identify what actually drives curtailment and congestion risk at a given connection point.
  • Constraint equation mapping across the NEM
  • Congestion and curtailment driver analysis
  • Connection point and site option comparison
  • Revenue risk inputs for investment decisions
Project Delivery
Grid Connection Project Management
Specialist management of the connection process for project owners and developers, across every stage from early engagement to agreement execution.
  • Early engagement on technical connection options
  • Management of grid customer meetings between developer, NSP and AEMO
  • Technical correspondence and coordination
  • Project reporting and support for new connection agreements
Assurance
Owner's Engineer and Technical Uplift
Trusted technical assurance across the project lifecycle, from concept design and network integration through to operations readiness.
  • Oversight of high-risk, high-value projects
  • Design assurance and verification
  • Interface management across EPC, OEM and network parties
  • Specialist training in harmonics, voltage control, reactive power and STATCOM/SVC

Project Track Record

Selected connection, modelling and due diligence projects from the Connections Capability Statement, spanning wind, solar, BESS, gas, synchronous plant, data centres and FACTS.

15Project references across the NEM and Asia-Pacific
1.3 GWLargest single wind farm project delivered
1 GWData centre connection studies, New South Wales
400 MWGrid-forming BESS, 4 hour duration
Due Diligence
Voith — Snowy 2.0
Due diligence
Due diligence on model parameter tuning, with solutions developed to address GPS requirements for the Voith generators.
Data Centre
1 GW Data Centre Connection
New South Wales
Power system studies for a data centre development, including OEM model evaluation, performance assessment and resolution of dynamic modelling issues to achieve compliance with grid connection requirements and the applicable Generator Performance Standards.
Wind + BESS
Wind Farm 390 MW (South) and 580 MW (North) with 400 MW / 4 hr Grid-Forming BESS
NEM
Led multidisciplinary teams of local and international consultants through Generator Performance Standards studies, OEM model evaluation, validation and performance assessment.
Wind
Wind Farm 1,300 MW
Victoria
Engaged as technical lead to assess comprehensive GPS solutions for one of the largest wind farm projects in the NEM, delivering high-quality feasibility study grid packages on time.
Wind
Wind Farm 400 MW
New South Wales
Model parameter tuning and preparation of the complete GPS package under tight deadlines, with highly positive client feedback on responsiveness and quality.
Wind
Wind Farm 140 MW
New South Wales
Model parameter tuning with solutions developed to address GPS requirements.
Solar + BESS
190 MVA BESS Hybrid with 250 MW Solar Farm
New South Wales
Solar and BESS plants in a DCA/DNA architecture connecting into one of the most complex areas of the NSW network. Delivered the full GPS connection studies package for R0 and R1, reviewed performance and documentation, and negotiated performance outcomes to secure the 5.3.4A and 5.3.10 letters.
Solar + BESS
Solar Farm 300+ MW with 50 MW BESS
NEM
Developed power system models and control strategies for the integrated solar farm and BESS, and performed grid connection studies and GPS assessments in PSS®E and PSCAD to ensure full NER compliance.
Solar
Solar Farm approximately 100 MW
Queensland
Reviewed SMA inverter projects and settings across the NEM and optimised plant configuration, resolving long-standing model issues outstanding since the R0 stage and delivering the full GPS R1 submission.
Gas
Gas Generators 397 MW (GE LM2500)
Queensland — confidential
Developed functional requirements for FCAS and the plant operational controller while preserving the gas turbine’s primary function of controlling voltage and frequency at its 11 to 13 kV terminals. Prepared the complete GPS connection package for the 5.4.3A application and led negotiations with OEMs and NSPs on plant performance requirements.
Gas
Gas Generators 300 MW
NEM
Developed power system models and tuned controls for gas turbines and multiple three-winding transformers, designed voltage control strategies for complex network configurations and operational scenarios, conducted GPS simulations and contributed to the full GPS package.
Gas
Synchronous Gas Turbines 100 MW, 30 MW and 20 MW
NEM
Grid connection studies and GPS assessments in PSS®E and PSCAD, ensuring full compliance with the National Electricity Rules.
Synchronous
70 MVA Synchronous Condenser
NEM — confidential
Developed and tuned a PSCAD model and submitted it to the NSP and AEMO for Full Impact Assessment and system strength assessment, and reviewed technical specifications for compliance with connection and performance requirements.
Harmonics
Harmonic Assessment, Filter Design and TNSP Due Diligence
Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales
Harmonic assessments and harmonic filter design for multiple clients across three states, including harmonic due diligence studies delivered on behalf of a TNSP.
FACTS
SVC and STATCOM Projects
Queensland and Victoria
Model parameter tuning with solutions developed to address GPS requirements.

Connections Capability Statement

The full statement sets out our connection service stages, modelling toolchain, complete project experience and team biographies.

Download PDF ↓

Specialist Power Systems Consulting

Technical expertise across the full spectrum of reactive power, FACTS devices, and power system analysis.

SVC and STATCOM
Comprehensive consulting for Static VAr Compensators and Static Synchronous Compensators, from market research through to fault investigation.
  • Market research for appropriate technology solutions
  • Technology roadmap and solution development
  • Technical specifications — greenfield and refurbishment
  • Technical training and workshops
  • Tender technical analysis and facilitation
  • ITP development, FAT and SAT witnessing
  • SVC/STATCOM fault investigations (insurance / defect liability)
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Volt-VAr Control & Optimisation
Advanced analysis and optimisation of voltage and reactive power control strategies for modern, renewable-rich networks.
  • Network voltage profile assessment
  • Reactive power compensation strategy
  • VVO system design and review
  • Capacitor bank and regulator optimisation
  • Conservation voltage reduction (CVR)
  • Smart inverter Volt-VAr settings
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Secondary Systems
SCADA, automation, and protection system design and review for high-voltage substations and generation facilities.
  • SCADA design and architecture
  • Protection systems design and review
  • Automation and control system design
  • IEC 61850 engineering
  • Commissioning support
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Secondary System Asset Management
Risk-based asset management for substation control and protection systems, optimising reinvestment decisions on cost, risk, and performance.
  • Asset condition assessment
  • Risk, cost and performance modelling
  • Reinvestment strategy optimisation
  • Asset lifecycle management
  • CIGRE B3 methodology application
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Power System Strength
Preliminary and Full Impact Assessments (PIA and FIA) for generator connections in weak grid and high-IBR environments.
  • System strength impact assessment (PIA/FIA)
  • Short-circuit ratio (SCR) analysis
  • IBR integration and stability studies
  • AEMO compliance support
  • Renewable energy zone assessments
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Power System Harmonics
Comprehensive harmonic allocation, network modelling, assessment, and measurement services to IEC 61000.3.6 standards.
  • Harmonic allocation studies
  • Network harmonic modelling
  • Harmonic impact assessment
  • Field measurement and analysis
  • IEC/TR 61000.3.6 compliance
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Special Protection and Control Schemes
Application and impact assessment for special power system protection and control schemes, including Wide Area Monitoring Protection and Control (WAMPAC) and inter-trip systems.
  • WAMPAC design and assessment
  • Generator islanding and anti-islanding
  • Run-back schemes
  • Special protection scheme review
  • Inter-trip system design
  • Scheme impact assessment

Specialised Training Courses

Three-day seminars delivered at your office in Australia and internationally, combining deep technical theory with practical exercises and real project case studies.

3-Day Training Seminar
Mastering Voltage and Reactive Power Control using SVCs and STATCOMs
A practical, comprehensive introduction to SVC and STATCOM technologies for industrial, distribution and transmission networks. Presented by Dr Tuan Vu.
3 daysAt your officeSoft copy materialsNo prior SVC experience required

Equips managers, engineers and technicians from industry, DSOs and TSOs with the knowledge to plan, specify, design, operate and maintain SVC and STATCOM systems, with a strong focus on real-world application, investment optimisation and risk reduction.

Who should attend

Utility engineers and managers responsible for voltage and reactive power control, power system engineers in network planning and grid stability, renewable developers and operators, industrial power engineers, consultants supporting connection studies, and asset and operations managers.

Day 1 — Fundamentals, Characteristics and Configurations
Reactive power compensation in power systems
  • Voltage control concepts using SVC and STATCOM; positive sequence voltage regulation
  • Load balancing through negative sequence voltage control; power factor correction
  • Steady-state power transfer capacity; voltage and transient stability
  • Power system oscillation damping; FACTS controllers and applications
  • Considerations for placement and sizing
Placement, sizing and characteristics
  • Voltage-current characteristics, SVC versus STATCOM, steady-state and dynamic
  • Slope and droop in V/I characteristics
  • Case study: SVC used to prevent voltage instability
  • Harmonics, DC offset and negative phase sequence
Configurations and implications
  • SVC thyristor controlled reactor and thyristor switched capacitor
  • STATCOM IGBT power modules; losses and harmonic performance
Day 2 — Components, Applications, Control and Protection
Main components of SVC and STATCOM
  • Primary HV plant; power electronic switching, thyristor versus IGBT
  • Thyristor valves, manufacturing, components, performance, losses and cooling
  • Triggering and monitoring; IGBT power modules and DC capacitors
  • Two, three and multi-level modules; secondary and auxiliary systems
Applications
  • Integration of solar, wind and battery storage; distributed and centralised topologies
  • Advanced Volt-VAr Optimisation schemes
  • Power quality solutions for flicker, sag, unbalance and power factor
  • Industrial, distribution and transmission applications
Control, protection and monitoring
  • Sequence control; start-up, shutdown and emergency shutdown
  • Automatic and manual control modes; voltage regulation and droop
  • Negative phase sequence balance; POD and stability control
  • Q-optimisation, under and over voltage schemes, degraded mode
  • Conventional AC protection and SVC/STATCOM specific DC protection
Day 3 — Ratings, Projects, Specifications and Lifecycle
Major component ratings
  • Verification of major component ratings; harmonic voltage and current stresses
  • Practical exercise: verify SVC component ratings
Project overview
  • Specifications and design reports; schedule, key tasks and milestones
  • Construction and installation; Inspection and Test Plans
  • Commissioning, FAT and SAT; pre and post-energisation tests
Specifications
  • Scope of works; primary plant, secondary systems, auxiliary systems
  • Noise and electromagnetic interference; general engineering requirements
  • Technical schedules, commercial conditions and sample specifications
Operation, maintenance and refurbishment
  • Asset management, operation and maintenance knowledge
  • Fault investigations including catastrophic failures; spares and inventories
  • Refurbishment planning for secondary and primary systems
3-Day Training Seminar
Harmonic Assessment and Filters for Renewable Energy Systems
Practical knowledge and technical expertise on harmonic assessment and filter application for renewable energy systems. Presented by Dr Tuan Vu.
3 daysAt your officeSoft copy materialsTwo practical exercises

As solar, wind and BESS replace the ageing coal fleet, harmonic distortion becomes a compliance and stability problem. This course covers power quality fundamentals, harmonic modelling, compliance assessment methodology and the practical application of passive and active filters, with real case studies.

What you will be able to do

Model harmonic sources, transformers, reactors and filters; interpret AS/NZS IEC/TR 61000.3.6 and the NER; perform compliance assessments against grid codes; select and configure filter solutions; and plan harmonic measurement and reporting.

Day 1 — Fundamentals, Filters and Modelling
Fundamentals
  • Power quality and why harmonics matter; current and voltage harmonics
  • Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits; total harmonic distortion
  • Power factor and correction; linear versus non-linear loads
  • Sources of distortion, harmonic phase sequences and triplen harmonics
Harmonic filters
  • Active and passive filters; single-tuned and double-tuned designs
  • Short-circuit power and harmonic impedance
  • Detuned and non-detuned capacitor banks; RLC and C-type filters; MSCDN
Harmonic modelling
  • Modelling lines and cables, motors, loads, transformers, reactors and SVCs
  • Parallel and series resonance; harmonic amplification and impedances
  • Load damping considerations; harmonic frequency scans
Day 2 — Standards and Australian TNSP Compliance
Standards and guidelines
  • AS/NZS IEC/TR 61000.3.6:2012 and the Australian ENA harmonics guideline
  • UK ENA Engineering Recommendation G5
  • Comparison of harmonic assessment requirements across Australian TNSPs
TNSP compliance assessment
  • Network scenarios and harmonic allocation, or emission limits
  • Point of connection impedance polygons and amplification factors
  • Thevenin and Norton equivalent models for harmonic assessment
  • Aggregation of harmonic sources within solar, wind and BESS plant
  • Pre-connection assessment, 95th percentile total harmonic voltage, post-connection assessment
Day 3 — Filter Design, Case Studies and Measurement
Passive harmonic filters
  • Filter configuration and optimal placement
  • Component ratings, current and voltage stresses
  • Tuning and detuning frequency considerations
Practical exercises
  • Transmission case study: allocation and pre-connection assessment for solar, wind or BESS
  • Distribution case study: allocation and pre-connection assessment for loads, solar or BESS
Case studies and measurement
  • Analysis of harmonic filter failures; transformer saturation impacts
  • Instrument transformers and additional measurement circuits
  • Placement of harmonic meters; RC voltage dividers
  • Data storage, analysis software and compliance reporting
Professional Development
Volt-VAr Optimisation (VVO)
Practical training on modern VVO strategies, delivered in Australia and internationally (Malaysia 2018 and 2019)
  • VVO fundamentals, voltage and reactive power management principles
  • Traditional versus advanced automated VVO techniques
  • Impact of VVO on system losses and peak demand
  • VVO in renewable energy integration: solar, wind and BESS
  • Coordination of capacitor banks, voltage regulators, STATCOMs and SVCs
  • SCADA, sensors, metering and automation in VVO systems
  • Conservation Voltage Reduction strategies
  • VVO scheme design, commissioning and performance validation
Enquire About Training
Duration3-day training seminar
VenueConducted at the client's office
Fees$1,500 per person, minimum 10 participants, or $20,000 per course for 15 participants
Course materialsSoft copies provided in PDF
Past Training Deliveries
Feb–Mar 2018
VVO — Malaysia
June 2018
SVC & STATCOM — Energy Queensland, Brisbane
August 2018
SVC & STATCOM — Energy Queensland, Townsville
September 2018
SVC & STATCOM — ElectraNet, Enerven, SA Power Networks, Adelaide
October 2018
SVC & STATCOM — Western Power, Perth
April 2019
VVO — Malaysia
Thyristor Valves
FAT
SVC Installation
Site work

High-Quality Consulting from Experienced Engineers

VVC Power Systems (Volt-VAr and Control Power Systems Consultants Pty Ltd) is an Australian specialist consultancy delivering high-quality engineering services and professional training in reactive power control, voltage stability, FACTS devices, and power system analysis.

Our work spans the full connection lifecycle, from data centre feasibility power system studies and load ramp assessments through to Generator R0, R1 and R2 studies and model validation. Our engineers are highly qualified and deeply experienced, applying practical knowledge gained across decades in the electricity supply industry to deliver tangible results — increasing cost efficiency, improving business performance, and lowering risks for our clients.

Areas of Expertise

  • Data Centre Feasibility Power System Studies
  • Load Ramp Studies
  • Generator R0, R1 and R2 Studies
  • Voltage and Reactive Power Control
  • Volt-VAr Control and Optimisation
  • Secondary Systems Design (SCADA, Automation, Protection)
  • Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control (WAMPAC)
  • Power System Strength Analysis — PIA and FIA
  • Power System Harmonics
  • Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Connections

Professional Memberships & Standards

Standards Australia CIGRE Working Groups IEC Standards CIRED AUPEC

Led by Doctorate-Qualified Power System Engineers

Four senior specialists covering planning and modelling, control systems and dynamics, connection study delivery and business development, with more than 85 years of combined experience across the NEM and internationally.

TV
Dr Tuan Vu
Executive Director and Managing Director
Practice Lead, Power Systems Planning & Modelling · 30 years

Tuan has 30 years in the electricity supply industry and energy consulting in Australia and internationally, spanning HV and EHV substation design, National Electricity Market connections, power system planning, modelling and design studies. He specialises in SVC and STATCOM projects, power system harmonics, secondary systems, SCADA and the system integration of large, complex high-voltage projects, and has led multi-disciplinary design and commissioning teams delivering capital projects worth over $230M.

He is a recognised industry leader in integrating synchronous and inverter-based generation into the NEM, having led Generator Performance Standard investigations, harmonic compliance studies and commissioning strategies across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Tuan established and led VicGrid's planning and modelling functions through their transition from AEMO, advising on offshore wind integration and REZ transmission design, and has supported Powerlink on REZ development and technical readiness.

Qualifications
PhD Power System Harmonics, UoW M.Sys.Eng, QUT Grad Cert Electricity Supply, QUT BE Electrical, UQ
Registrations
FIEAustRPEQ CPEngAPEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
Standards committees
IEC TC57-WG10IEC TC38-WG37 IEC TC38-WG47Standards Australia EL-013, EL-050, EL-011 CIGRE B4, B4.92, B4.94
AL
Dr Alan Lee
Technical Director | Principal Consultant (Power Systems)
Senior Technical Leader · 15+ years

Alan is a Senior Technical Leader with more than 15 years in power systems engineering and renewable energy integration across Australia and internationally. Holding a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Aarhus University, he brings deep knowledge of advanced control theory and power system dynamics for wind, solar, BESS and synchronous machine projects.

He has led the delivery of complex grid connection studies and Generator Performance Standard packages for major utility-scale projects, including gas peaking plants, synchronous condensers, hybrid solar and BESS systems, and large wind farms. His work spans control system design, model tuning, harmonic and power quality assessment, and compliance with the National Electricity Rules. Alan provides technical direction and negotiation support to developers, OEMs and Network Service Providers, streamlining AEMO and NSP approvals.

Qualifications
PhD Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Aarhus University
Specialist areas
Control system designModel tuning Harmonics & power qualityGPS packages NER compliance
Tools
PSS®EPSCAD PowerFactoryMATLAB/Simulink RTDSPython
BT
Dr Brian Tan
Technical Director | Principal Consultant (Power Systems)
Modelling & Network Planning · 10+ years

Brian is a Senior Power System Engineer with more than 10 years in power system modelling, renewable integration and network planning across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. With a PhD in Electrical Power Systems from the National University of Singapore, he brings a strong foundation in load flow analysis, dynamic studies and grid compliance under the National Electricity Rules.

He has delivered detailed connection studies and control strategies for large-scale renewable and hybrid assets including solar, wind, battery energy storage and gas peaking plants. His experience spans PSCAD and PSS®E model development, preparation of complete GPS packages, NEM studies, and automation for compliance testing and reporting. Brian is a Certified Advanced User of PSS®E and PSCAD and has completed AEMO's Network Connections Training.

Qualifications
PhD Electrical Power Systems, National University of Singapore
Certifications
Certified Advanced User, PSS®E Certified Advanced User, PSCAD AEMO Network Connections Training
Tools
PSS®EPSCAD PowerFactoryMATLAB/Simulink Python

Technical References

Published works, conference papers, and project references demonstrating our depth of technical expertise.

Reference 1
Adapt Depend Sustain — Queensland Parliament
Powerlink Queensland SVC Project — Tuan Vu, SVC Project Manager, at the Greenbank SVC. Published 2009.
View document →
⚠ Hosted on vvcpowersystems.com.au
Reference 2
Reactive Power Support — University of Canterbury
Tuan Vu (Powerlink, AU) — Specification, design and refurbishment of SVC installations.
View document →
⚠ University of Canterbury hosted PDF
Reference 9
CIRED June 2009 — SVC Refurbishment Paper
Conference paper on SVC refurbishment methodology and outcomes, presented at CIRED 2009.
View paper →
⚠ Hosted on vvcpowersystems.com.au
Reference 10
AUPEC 2017 — Proposed Amendment to IEC/TR 61000.3.6:2008
T. Vu, D. Robinson, V. Gosbell, S. Perera, R. Memisevic — Harmonic allocation to loads in transmission systems. Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, 2017.
View paper — UoW Research Online →
Reference 11
CIGRE August 2018 — B3-205
T. Vu (AU) — Modelling Substation Control and Protection Assets for Optimal Reinvestment Decision Based on Risk, Cost and Performance. Presented at CIGRE Session 2018 (B3-205).
View CIGRE 2018 Programme (B3-205 listed) →
ℹ Full paper via e-CIGRE (subscription required)
Training Records
Training Session Photos
Photographic records from VVO and SVC/STATCOM training sessions delivered across Australia and Malaysia 2018–2019.
⚠ Photos hosted on vvcpowersystems.com.au

Let's discuss your next project

Whether you need specialist consulting on reactive power control, FACTS devices, or want to arrange a training program for your organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

🏢
Company
Volt-VAr and Control Power Systems Consultants Pty Ltd
📞
ABN43 622 622 664
Send us a message

Or email admin@vvcpowersystems.com.au or call +61 (0) 407 372 483.