Australia’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is a critical part of achieving our emissions reduction commitments. Electrifying transport quickly means ensuring appropriate and equitable access to charging. But that does not mean it’s appropriate or fair for all energy consumers to subsidise the expansion of EV charging. And while energy networks will have a role to play in enabling efficient vehicle charging, that doesn’tmean networks building and owning charging infrastructure.
That’s why we outline some serious concerns with the proposed rule change in our response to the AEMC’s Facilitating electric vehicle charging infrastructure under Commonwealth consultation paper, including that it would:
- see costs unfairly recovered from all energy consumers, including those who may never benefit from the infrastructure, and;
- expand the role of distribution network service providers (DNSPs) in planning and delivering EV charging beyond what is suited to their expertise.
Ideally the AEMC would defer this proposal entirely, so these issues and potential risks to protecting consumer interests can be considered as part of the network regulation review.
What’s next?
The final rule change determination is due by the end of 2026, and if passed would allow the rollout of the Commonwealth funding program in 2027. We’ll be engaging in other related processes for proposed EV infrastructure work, alongside the Electricity Network Regulation Review (Package 1 and 2) throughout 2026 to ensure the rollout of EV charging infrastructure doesn’t have unfair impacts on energy consumers.
