The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a draft rule to enable the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the Commonwealth Government's $40 million Accelerating EV Charging Program, targeting regional charging blackspots and high-density kerbside areas in cities where customers have limited access to off-street charging.
The AEMC’s proposed rule would support the program which requires participating distributors to facilitate private charge point operators providing kerbside EV charging infrastructure in high density areas through efficient connection and access requirements.
Where charge point operators don’t take up identified sites the rule requires participating distributors to be the last resort supplier. Participating distributors will also be required to be the supplier in regional blackspots to ensure infrastructure is delivered in areas which may otherwise be ignored because they are regarded as commercially less attractive.
The AEMC's role is to assess whether a proposed rule change would likely be in the long-term interests of electricity consumers, as required under the National Electricity Objective (NEO). In assessing this proposed rule, the Commission considered the program's likely emissions-reduction benefits, the largest single factor, alongside its effects on consumer bills, competition between charging providers and access to EV charging for people without off-street parking (including renters and apartment residents).
The Commonwealth will fund approximately 30 per cent of the cost of eligible infrastructure, placing approximately 14,000 EV chargers where they are most needed. Participating networks will recover the balance of the cost (70%) from consumers, estimated to add approximately $1.00 a year to a typical residential customer's bill for five years.
“Having weighed all factors, the Commission is satisfied the program's likely benefits outweigh its costs to consumers, given its targeted and time-limited design,” said AEMC Chair Anna Collyer.
"Lessons learned from the trial program will inform future Commission decisions regarding EV infrastructure."
Ms Collyer said the draft rule applies only to charging infrastructure delivered under this specific Commonwealth program, scheduled to conclude on 30 June 2029.
"The Commonwealth's program is a targeted measure to help close the gap between the rising EV uptake and EV charging infrastructure. The two will positively reinforce one another as the public continues to consider the transition to non-combustion vehicles.”
Ms Collyer said the draft rule does not extend to any broader role for distribution networks in providing EV charging infrastructure.
"The Commission's broader work on the role of networks in EV charging over the long-term is continuing separately,” she said.
It includes two further rule change requests, from Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Nexa Advisory, which are being considered alongside the Electricity Network Regulation Review Package 1:
- Energy Networks Australia is seeking a change to the National Electricity Rules to enable distributors to provide kerbside EV charging infrastructure as a regulated service, to expedite the roll out of kerbside EVCIs.
- Nexa Advisory is seeking a rule change to competition and ring-fencing requirements, to improve protections for consumers.
Submissions on the draft determination relevant to the Accelerating EV Charging Program close on 5 November 2026, ahead of a final determination due by the end of 2026.
Media: Michelle Stone, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au