PowerEarth provides independent peer review and quality assurance services for electrical and earthing system designs across Australia’s critical infrastructure sectors. As specialist reviewers with over 30 years of design experience in our own right, we bring a depth of technical knowledge that enables us to identify risks, verify compliance and provide assurance that others simply cannot.
Our independence is our strength. We act on behalf of asset owners, prime contractors, project managers and regulatory bodies, providing objective technical assurance that a design or installation meets the project requirements, applicable Australian Standards and industry best practice. Our peer review clients include network operators, state government agencies, major contractors and infrastructure owners across power, rail, mining, defence, renewables, water and transport.
What We Review
PowerEarth conducts independent peer reviews across the full scope of electrical and earthing engineering. Our review capability includes:
Earthing System Design Review
We review earthing designs produced by other consultants and contractors, verifying soil resistivity interpretation, CDEGS modelling methodology, EPR calculations, step and touch voltage assessments, compliance with AS 2067, ENA EG-0 and IEEE 80, and the adequacy of proposed mitigation measures. Our reviewers are experienced CDEGS users themselves, enabling us to interrogate models and identify errors that a documentation-only review would miss.
Electrical System Design Verification
Our peer reviews of electrical system designs cover single-line diagrams, cable sizing calculations, switchgear ratings, protection coordination, equipment specifications and compliance with AS/NZS 3000, AS 2067, AS/NZS 3008 and other applicable standards. We assess whether the design is safe, constructable and fit for its intended operating environment.
System Studies Verification
We review power system studies produced by third parties, including fault studies, load flow analyses, harmonic assessments, protection coordination studies and arc flash assessments, verifying inputs, methodology, software configuration and the validity of conclusions. Our engineers can identify modelling errors, incorrect assumptions and gaps in study scope that may compromise the reliability of results.
Lightning Protection Design Review
Our reviews of lightning protection systems verify compliance with AS/NZS 1768, risk assessment methodology, air termination placement, down conductor routing, earth termination design and surge protection coordination. We assess both new designs and modifications to existing installations.
Installation and Construction Verification
Beyond design review, PowerEarth provides on-site verification during construction and commissioning. Our engineers inspect earthing installations, witness testing, review as-built documentation and verify that the installed system matches the approved design. This service is particularly valuable for asset owners who need independent assurance that contractor work meets specification.
How Our Peer Review Process Works
PowerEarth’s peer review process is structured, transparent and focused on delivering actionable findings:
- Scope definition: We work with you to define the review scope, the specific standards and project requirements to verify against, and the level of detail required.
- Document review: Our engineers systematically review all design documentation, calculations, models and specifications against the agreed criteria.
- Technical analysis: Where required, we conduct independent calculations or modelling to verify critical design parameters, rather than relying solely on checking the designer’s work.
- Findings report: We deliver a clear, structured report identifying any non-compliances, technical risks, design gaps or optimisation opportunities, with each finding classified by severity and recommended action.
- Resolution support: We support the resolution process by reviewing designer responses and verifying that findings have been adequately addressed.
Quality Assurance Programs
For large infrastructure programs and asset portfolios, PowerEarth provides ongoing quality assurance services that go beyond one-off peer reviews. Our QA programs include design review at each project stage gate (concept, preliminary, detailed), hold-point inspections during construction, commissioning witness and verification, and compliance reporting against program-wide standards and procedures.
This embedded QA approach is particularly valuable for multi-package infrastructure programs where consistency of design quality across multiple contractors and design houses is critical, such as rail electrification programs, transmission network upgrades and large-scale renewables rollouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an independent peer review in electrical engineering?
An independent peer review is a formal, structured evaluation of an engineering design or study by a qualified engineer who was not involved in producing the original work. The reviewer assesses the design against applicable standards, project requirements and engineering best practice, identifying any non-compliances, errors, risks or opportunities for improvement. Independence is critical, it ensures the review is objective and free from the assumptions or biases of the original design team.
When should you commission a peer review?
Peer reviews are typically commissioned for high-value or safety-critical designs, when required by regulatory bodies or network operators, as a condition of project governance for major infrastructure programs, when a design involves unusual complexity or non-standard approaches, or when an asset owner wants independent assurance before accepting a contractor’s design. Early engagement, ideally at the preliminary or detailed design stage, delivers the most value, as findings can be addressed before construction begins.
What standards does PowerEarth review against?
We review designs against all relevant Australian and international standards, including AS 2067 (Substations and High Voltage Installations), ENA EG-0 (Power System Earthing Guide), AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 3008 (Cable Selection), AS/NZS 1768 (Lightning Protection), IEEE 80, IEEE 1584 and sector-specific standards. We also verify compliance with network operator technical standards, project-specific design briefs and applicable safety legislation.
What is the difference between a peer review and an audit?
A peer review focuses on the technical content and adequacy of a design or study, assessing whether it is correct, compliant and fit for purpose. An audit is typically broader, assessing processes, documentation systems and compliance with management standards (such as ISO 9001). PowerEarth provides both services. Our peer reviews are technically focused; our audits assess the overall condition, compliance and documentation of installed systems.
Can PowerEarth review designs produced using CDEGS?
Yes. PowerEarth maintains its own CDEGS software licence and our engineers are experienced users of all CDEGS modules. This means we can open and interrogate CDEGS models produced by other consultants, verify soil resistivity interpretations, check model configuration and validate results, rather than limiting our review to the output reports alone. This capability is a significant differentiator in earthing design peer review.
Who commissions peer reviews from PowerEarth?
Our peer review clients include electricity network operators, state transport authorities, major defence contractors, mining companies, renewable energy developers, water utilities and tier-one construction contractors. In each case, we act as an independent party, providing assurance to the asset owner or principal that the design produced by their consultant or contractor meets the required standards and project expectations.
Talk to Our Peer Review Team
Whether you need an independent review of an earthing design, verification of a system study, quality assurance across a multi-package program, or on-site inspection during construction, PowerEarth’s engineers bring the technical depth and independence to give you confidence in your project. With 30 years of specialist experience, we know what to look for, and what matters.
Contact us today to discuss your peer review requirements, or call us on 1300 POWEREARTH.