Networks Propose Regulatory Reform to Accelerate Charger Deployment
Energy Networks Australia has formally submitted a reform proposal to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), calling for amendments to existing regulations to permit electricity distribution networks to install, own, and maintain kerbside electric vehicle chargers as part of their regulated role. The association states this approach will leverage existing grid infrastructure to accelerate the expansion of charging networks while preventing location-based monopolies in the charging market, which could drive up public charging costs.
Dom Adams, Acting CEO of Energy Networks Australia, noted that current regulations were established before electric vehicles became mainstream and no longer meet market demands. Without timely updates, the pace of charger deployment will continue to lag, undermining public confidence and adoption of EVs. Adams emphasized that kerbside chargers are not merely a convenience but a necessity for renters, apartment residents, and households without home charging access, making regulatory reform a matter of social equity.
Australia Faces Severe Charging Shortage, Nearly Four Times Worse Than Global Average
The International Energy Agency’s 2026 Global EV Outlook report reveals that Australia has 41 electric vehicles for every public charging point, significantly higher than the global average of 11. This indicates a severe shortage of charging infrastructure in Australia, which has become a key bottleneck in EV adoption. Adams warned that the lack of chargers not only affects convenience but could also lead to higher charging prices due to insufficient competition, further eroding the economic advantages of electric vehicles.
Adams cautioned that if the charging market evolves into closed networks, operators could exploit location advantages to create monopolies similar to petrol stations on highways. When drivers urgently need to charge, the nearest charger may become the only option, allowing operators to arbitrarily raise prices. He pointed out that this model would shift competition toward securing prime locations rather than improving service quality or lowering prices, potentially leading to market consolidation, fewer consumer choices, and higher charging costs.
Networks Could Install 40 Kerbside Chargers Weekly at Cost Equivalent to One Litre of Petrol
Energy Networks Australia estimates that an electricity distributor in New South Wales could install up to 40 kerbside chargers per week at a cost of just AUD 1.60 to AUD 2.10 per customer annually—comparable to the price of one litre of petrol during peak pricing. Adams stated that networks already possess existing power poles, workforce, and systems, enabling them to rapidly expand charging infrastructure at low cost. They would not engage in electricity sales or charging services but would provide the infrastructure, allowing retailers and charging service providers to compete on service quality, pricing, and user experience.
Adams further explained that if the charging market is dominated by vertically integrated operators, competition would focus on securing prime locations rather than serving consumers. This could force smaller operators out of the market, leading to oligopolistic conditions, reduced consumer choice, and higher charging fees. For example, a premium of 5 to 10 Australian cents per kilowatt-hour on kerbside charging could add AUD 110 to AUD 220 in annual costs for the average EV driver. For households unable to charge at home, this would significantly undermine the cost-saving benefits of electric vehicles.
Reforms Focus on Equity to Prevent Charging Infrastructure from Worsening Social Inequality
Adams highlighted that Australia’s slow rollout of EV charging networks has left households more exposed to petrol price volatility, missing opportunities to reduce transportation costs. He stressed that charging infrastructure is a matter of social equity; if only households with driveways can benefit from the economic advantages of EVs, social inequality will worsen. Renters, apartment residents, and low-income families should not be excluded due to outdated regulations.
Energy Networks Australia’s proposal centers on fostering open competition, allowing networks to install chargers within a regulated framework while preserving competition among retailers and charging service providers. Adams stated that this approach would accelerate charger deployment, lower barriers to EV use, and drive down charging costs through competitive pressure. He urged the Australian Energy Market Commission to seize the opportunity to ensure charging infrastructure becomes a shared facility that promotes competition and cost reduction, rather than a high-priced service under location-based monopolies.
