Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has filed a formal rule change request with the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) proposing changes to ring-fencing rules that would enable electricity distributors to install, own and maintain kerbside EV charging infrastructure on existing network assets.
In the request, ENA CEO Dominique van den Berg said, “Electric vehicles (EV) have the potential to deliver real, everyday savings for Australians, while also lowering emissions and making better use of our existing electricity grid. But today, too many Australians are missing out. The reason is simple: we do not have enough accessible, affordable public charging.”
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Likening it to a “chicken and egg” scenario, van den Berg said the lack of affordable public EV charging was slowing EV uptake and creating an uneven playing field, especially for apartment dwellers, renters, and those without off-street parking.
“Without enough chargers, people won’t switch to EVs. Without enough EVs, private investment in charging remains slow and still requires support,” van den Berg said.
“Breaking this cycle requires a practical, scalable solution… By enabling distribution networks to install, own and maintain kerbside EV charging using existing infrastructure—such as power poles—we can deliver faster, more affordable, and more widespread access to charging where people need it. This is a customer-first reform.”
Under the proposal, electricity distributors would not sell electricity or charging services. Instead, they would enable the infrastructure and provide open access, allowing retailers and charging companies to compete for customers.
“This mirrors the way energy is delivered to homes today,” van den Berg said.
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“The proposed rule change gives effect to this model by allowing distributors to provide EV charging infrastructure as a regulated service. It is not mandatory, and it does not crowd out other approaches. It simply unlocks a faster, lower-cost pathway to deliver the infrastructure Australians need.”
The AEMC has not initiated the rule change request.
